There are so many Instant Pot models and sizes that deciding which Instant Pot to buy can be a daunting task. This Instant Pot Comparison Guide will help you make the right choice on the best Instant Pot model for you. Most importantly, this is a no holds barred honest summary of the Instant Pot product line, without the hype.
[Note: This post was updated in October 2020 with the latest information available including models and sizes.]
Table of Contents
Introduction
Even an experienced Instant Pot user like me can get confused when comparing different Instant Pot models. There’s the 3 quart, the 6 quart, the 8 quart… The Duo, the Lux, the Max…. And on top of that, there are many discontinued models and sizes!
So I can imagine that someone completely new to the Instant Pot would be even more baffled about which Instant Pot to buy.
Much of the information I present here comes from the Instant Pot company’s website and from personal experience. I’ve tried to weed out what’s not pertinent to your decision.
Most importantly, I don’t recommend any model that I personally wouldn’t buy for myself or my family. All opinions are mine based on my personal experience or from talking to other Instant Pot owners. I’m telling you what I would tell my friends, family, and readers who ask for my opinion.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, here are my guides on how to use some popular Instant Pot models:
What to Know Before you Buy
- Total cooking time = time to come to pressure + time to pressure cook + time to release pressure.
e.g. Jasmine rice pressure cooks in 4 minutes, but it takes 10 minutes to come to pressure and another 10 minutes to release pressure for a total of 24 minutes. You need to know this before buying an Instant Pot so you’re not disappointed that your rice didn’t cook in 4 minutes. I hear from many readers about how they were blindsided by this. - It’s great for cooking fatty cuts of meat but not that great at cooking lean meats like pork chops, chicken breast, etc.
- There is a learning curve with pressure cooking e.g. avoiding the Burn message. You’ll need to take some time to learn how to cook in new way. I have lots of tips and manuals that are very easy to understand. You can also visit the Instant Pot Facebook group where there’s a treasure trove of information and help.
- The Instant Pot requires a minimum quantity of liquid to come to pressure. This means that you will have to modify your recipes if they don’t have a lot of liquid.
- Don’t decide on a particular model solely based on how many buttons it has. A 7-in-1 model may be able to accomplish all the things that a 10-in-1 does because many of the buttons are just presets or pre-programmed settings. The Pressure Cook button may be able to accomplish the same thing as a button on another model e.g. Steam.
- The Instant Pot cannot crisp up food unless you purchase a model that includes an air fryer lid. The Instant Pot uses steam and pressure to cook the food. That’s what makes meats so tender.
- Finally, it is completely safe. It has numerous built-in safety features that prevent you from making major mistakes – it will just shut down if you do.
Model Differences
What is the difference between Instant Pot models? In this section, I talk about the features and options that differentiate the various models of the Instant Pot. Some of the following might be important factors in your decision-making and others might not:
- Smart programs
- Pressure levels
- Sealing and steam release methods
- Price
- Miscellaneous features
Smart Programs
The smart programs are pre-programmed pressure cooking functions (e.g. Egg, Meat/Stew, Rice) that are similar to pre-programmed buttons on a microwave. They allow you to conveniently press one button and begin pressure cooking without having to set the cooking time, temperature, and pressure level.
Each Instant Pot model has a set of available smart programs. Some models have fewer available programs than others. Most smart programs can be duplicated using the Pressure Cook function (with a few exceptions).
For example, the Egg function is pre-programmed to pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. However, if you don’t have the Egg function, you can use the Pressure Cook function and program it for 5 minutes and high pressure.
My Two Cents: Frankly, I wouldn’t choose a particular model solely based on the available pre-programmed functions. This is because you can always duplicate those missing smart programs by using the Pressure Cook function.
The only exceptions are the Yogurt, Sous Vide, and Air Fryer smart programs. If you plan to make yogurt or do sous vide, you should get a model with those smart programs. Actually, you can even get around not having the Yogurt function if you have Sous Vide. Read my post on how to make cold start yogurt for more details.
Pressure Levels
There are three pressure levels: High, Low, and None. The available pressure levels vary depending on the model and are an important consideration when choosing the model.
High Pressure is the most commonly used pressure level but Low Pressure comes in handy when cooking fish or vegetables. No Pressure comes in handy for sous vide cooking.
My Two Cents: The availability of Low Pressure is an important consideration when choosing the Instant Pot model.
Sealing and Steam Release Methods
How you seal the Instant Pot and release pressure depends on the lid design. Some of the designs are more user friendly and easier to use than others. Here are the most common lid designs:
Steam Release Handle (manual seal and pressure release)
The steam release handle needs to be manually moved from Venting to Sealing in order for the Instant Pot to seal. To release steam, the steam release handle needs to be manually moved from Sealing to Venting.
It is easy to forget to move the steam release handle from Venting to Sealing, and that can cause the Instant Pot to have sealing issues and keep it from building up pressure.
Steam Release Button (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid, the Instant Pot is automatically sealed. Steam release requires an easy push of a button on the lid.
Steam Release Switch (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid, the Instant Pot is automatically sealed. Steam release requires an easy flip of a switch on the lid.
Programmable Steam Release (auto-seal and easy pressure release)
When you close the lid it’s automatically sealed. Steam release is programmed using the display panel. Some models have an additional diffused steam release feature. [Image not shown above.]
My Two Cents: The availability of the auto-seal feature and convenience of a button/switch type of steam release is an important factor in deciding which Instant Pot model to buy.
Price
Instant Pot prices vary greatly with list prices ranging from $60 to $400. But they do get discounted quite often. If you wait till Black Friday, Prime Day, or holiday sales, you’re likely to get a very good deal.
My Two Cents: Stores like Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Williams-Sonoma and Costco have frequent sales throughout the year. To be able to buy the exact model you want, you’ll need to watch for these special discounts.
Miscellaneous Features
Some features are available on a limited number of models. You’ll want to select a model that has your desired features.
- Air fryer
- Diffused steam release
- Inner pot with handles
- Sous Vide function
- Prop open lid
- Yogurt function
- Cooking progress bar
- Cooking status icons
- Detachable power cord
- Mini mitts (you can purchase mini mitts at a reasonable price)
- Extra sealing ring (you can easily purchase a separate sealing ring at a reasonable price)
- Display panel aesthetics (only important if you have issues with seeing the red lettering on a black background)
- Quick cool lid (nice to have, but not used very frequently)
- Fully customizable temperature and pressure settings (nice to have but not used very frequently)
My Two Cents: The diffused steam release, inner pot with handles, sous vide, prop open lid, Yogurt function, cooking progress bar and status icons are features worth considering when deciding which Instant Pot to buy. The other features may not be as important in your decision-making, although I do like the detachable power cord!
Instant Pot Sizes
The Instant Pot comes in 4 different sizes: 3 qt, 6 qt, 8 qt and 10 qt. The 5 quart model is no longer being manufactured and the 10 quart may soon be discontinued. Read my comprehensive post to get complete details about the different Instant Pot sizes and find out what size you should buy.
If you need information about the exact dimensions of each model, read my article about Instant Pot dimensions.
Compare Instant Pots
Some of the models are pretty similar to each other but others are unique. Below I cover each model, the pros and cons, and my personal opinion of the model. I show you the list price as of the publish date of this article and the historical low price based on prior sales, just you get an idea of how low it can go. Current prices will vary.
Instant Pot Lux
PROS:
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Comes in different colors (available at select retailers.)
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be hard to read for some.
- Steam rack does not have handles.
- No Yogurt function.
- Only has High Pressure.
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- Can’t prop open the lid.
- No Sous Vide function.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
I generally don’t recommend the Instant Pot Lux. Although it is the cheapest model, the Duo is discounted often enough to make it price-competitive.
Instant Pot Duo
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Unlike the Lux model, it has the Low Pressure option and the Yogurt function and the ability to prop open the lid.
- Comes in different colors (available at select retailers.)
- Detachable power cord (except 8 quart)
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be harder to read for some.
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- No Sous Vide function.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
This is the most popular model of Instant Pot. It was the first Instant Pot I purchased and I still like it and use it. The Instant Pot Duo doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of the other models but it has all the basic features. It’s a good value for the price.
Instant Pot Viva
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Comes in different colors including red, blue, purple, black and copper.
- Detachable power cord.
- Ease of use of the Duo combined with the easy seal and push-button steam release function of the Ultra.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- Display panel is LCD, and may be harder to read for some.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
If you can find it, the Instant Pot Viva is a good value for money but since it was originally created for QVC, the Viva is not widely available. The Instant Pot Duo Nova is a better alternative.
Instant Pot Duo Plus
PROS
- Has a few more pre-programmed functions (smart programs) than the Duo.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicates cooking stage.
- Detachable power cord (except 8 quart)
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- More expensive than the Duo but has very similar functionality.
There are two versions of the Instant Pot Duo Plus. One has a manual steam release and the other has the easy pressure release with auto seal. If you’re planning on purchasing this model, make sure you get the latter type of lid.
Instant Pot Smart Wifi
PROS
- WiFi connectivity allows you to control the Instant Pot from your smart phone.
- Comes with more than 750 pre-programmed recipes accessible via the Instant Pot app.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage.
- Comes with oven mitts.
- Detachable power cord.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- Manual steam release mechanism.
- The WiFi setup is cumbersome and the WiFi functionality is limited to select recipes.
- No Sous Vide button, but you are supposed to be able to do sous vide by programming the app.
I own this model but find the WiFi features to be cumbersome and so I don’t use the WiFi functionality; I use it as a regular Instant Pot and it works well.
For the list price, I don’t recommend this model unless you’re really tech savvy and want to be able to cook remotely!
Instant Pot Duo Nova
PROS
- Budget friendly.
- Easy to program.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage.
- Ease of use of the Duo combined with the easy seal and push-button steam release function of the Ultra.
- Comes in 3 quart, 6 quart, 8 quart and 10 quart.
- Comes with extra sealing ring.
- Detachable power cord.
CONS
- No Sous Vide function.
- Slightly more expensive than the Duo but has very similar functionality.
- The 10 quart model does not give you the ability to prop the lid open.
I own the Instant Pot Duo Nova and really like it. I would recommend this model if you want the simplicity of the Duo and the auto-seal functionality of the Ultra at an affordable price.
Instant Pot Duo Gourmet
6 QUART LIST PRICE: $86.99
LOWEST SALE PRICE: $66.99
Link above is NOT an affiliate link, but you do have to be a Costco member to view the item.
PROS
- Very good price, better value than the Duo.
- Easy to program.
- Attractive LED display.
- Ease of use of the Duo combined with the easy seal and push-button steam release function of the Ultra.
- Comes with oven mitts.
- Comes with extra sealing ring.
- Detachable power cord.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- Only available at Costco.com.
- Only available in the 6-quart size.
- No status icons to indicate cooking stage.
I own the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet and really like it. I would recommend this model if you want the simplicity of the Duo and the auto-seal functionality of the Ultra at an excellent price. It also comes with some extras like 2 sealing rings and oven mitts. I also like the dark gray display panel. It’s attractive enough that you can proudly display the Instant Pot Gourmet on your countertop!
Instant Pot Ultra
PROS
- Customization feature allows you to customize the temperature and pressure. So although it doesn’t have a Sous Vide smart program, you can set it up to sous vide by customizing the pressure level and the temperature.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Easy seal and push-button steam release function.
CONS
- The display panel can be slightly confusing to program because you have to use the knob to scroll through all the various options. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple to use.
Until recently, the Ultra was my favorite model of Instant Pot, and now it’s fallen to second-favorite. I have two of them. I still use the 8 quart frequently.
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
PROS
- The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus has custom programming so you can set the pressure and temperature.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Easy seal and slide-button steam release function.
- The display panel has buttons that make it easier to program than the Ultra but not as easy as the Duo, Duo Nova, Duo Plus.
- The inner pot base is flat so oil doesn’t collect at the edges like some other inner pots.
- The inner pot has handles.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
CONS
- Because there are handles on the inner pot, you can’t rotate the inner pot in the base while you’re sauteing.
- Can’t interchange the inner pots from other 6 quart models since they don’t work with this model.
- Spare parts not as easily available (e.g. lid and lid parts.)
- This model has been discontinued, but it’s still available for purchase online through resellers.
I really like this model of Instant Pot. My favorite features are the steam release switch, the diffused steam release, the inner pot handles, and the sous vide function. This used to be my favorite model of Instant Pot. The Instant Pot Pro model is an upgrade to this model and I like it even better.
Instant Pot Pro
PROS
- The Instant Pot Pro has custom programming so you can set the pressure and temperature, but the settings are more streamlined than the Duo Evo Plus.
- Attractive black and silver design.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Easy seal and slide-button steam release function.
- Easy to program display panel with bright, large display.
- The inner pot base is flat so oil doesn’t collect at the edges like some other inner pots.
- The inner pot has handles. This allows it to be moved easier and it also makes it easier to use on the stovetop.
- The inner pot is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
- Favorite buttons allow you to save your most-used custom settings.
- Vent reminder feature beeps after 5 or 10 minutes after pressure cooking is complete. This is really useful for a timed natural release, when you want to wait for 10 minutes before you relase pressure.
CONS
- Because there are handles on the inner pot, you can’t rotate the inner pot in the base while you’re sauteing.
- Can’t interchange the inner pots from other 6 quart models since they don’t work with this model.
- Spare parts not as easily available (e.g. lid and lid parts.)
I love love love this model of Instant Pot. My favorite features are the steam release switch, the diffused steam release, the flat inner pot with handles, and the Sous Vide function. I also really like the way it looks on my countertop! The Instant Pot Pro model is an upgrade to the Duo Evo Plus and I like it even better.
Instant Pot Pro Plus
PROS
- This model is a cross between the Instant Wifi, Pro and the Instant Pot Max.
- Phone app allows remote control access to cooking functions, including pressure release!
- The app guides you through up to 800 “smart recipes”.
- Touchscreen display panel with bright, large display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Nutriboost option allows you to release pressure in bursts while pressure cooking. Useful for bone broth and risotto.
- Easy seal and slide-button steam release function.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
- Three steam release options that are programmed from the display panel or the app, including natural, quick and intermittent (pulse).
- Canning capability due to the 15 PSI level of pressure.
- Custom programming allows you to set the temperature and time of your choice.
- Attractive black and silver design.
- The inner pot base is flat so oil doesn’t collect at the edges like some other inner pots.
- The inner pot has handles. This allows it to be moved easier and it also makes it easier to use on the stovetop.
- The inner pot is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
CONS
- Currently only available in the 6 quart size.
- One of the more expensive Instant Pot multicookers.
- Fewer presets than the Instant Pro.
- Lacks the Favorite buttons of the Instant Pot Pro.
- Programming can be confusing, with both a touch screen and knob which is used to adjust time and temperature.
- Because there are handles on the inner pot, you can’t rotate the inner pot in the base while you’re sauteing.
- Spare parts not as easily available (e.g. lid and lid parts.)
If you’re someone who is comfortable with technology and likes the convenience of using your phone, this model may be just right for you. The Instant Pot Pro Plus may not be 100% safe for canning because the USDA has very specific rules about it.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
PROS:
- Easy to program.
- Pressure cooker and air fryer in one. There are two lids to allow you to switch from pressure cooker to air fryer.
- Sous Vide function.
CONS
- No Yogurt function, but the Sous Vide function can be used instead.
- No cooking status icons or cooking progress indicator.
- Although it comes in 6 quart and 8 quart, the 6 quart is not as widely available.
- List price is expensive.
If you’re in the market for a pressure cooker and an air fryer, this model is a good choice – I love mine and use it all the time. If you make yogurt, you can use the Sous Vide button to accomplish the same thing.
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
PROS:
- The Pro Crisp is the best of two Instant Pots: The Duo Evo Plus and Duo Crisp. It’s a pressure cooker and air fryer in one. There are two lids to allow you to switch from pressure cooker to air fryer.
- Attractive LED display.
- Attractive dark gray exterior.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Easy seal and slide-button steam release function.
- The inner pot base is flat so oil doesn’t collect at the edges like some other inner pots.
- The inner pot has handles.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
CONS
- No Yogurt function, but the Sous Vide function can be used instead.
- 8 quart only
- List price is very expensive.
If you’re in the market for a pressure cooker and an air fryer, and you have a larger budget, then this model is a good choice. However, if you don’t want to spend the extra money, the Duo Crisp may be the better choice. Yes, you would miss out on some of the nifty features like inner pot with handles, diffused steam release and cooking status indicators, but I don’t think those are make-or-break features.
Instant Pot Max
PROS
- Easy to program.
- Attractive LED display.
- Status icons indicate cooking stage and progress bar shows cooking progress.
- Sous Vide function.
- Three steam release options that are programmed from the display panel.
- Canning capability due to the 15 PSI level of pressure.
- Easy to program display panel is a touch screen panel.
- Easy seal and steam release can be programmed from the touch panel, including quick release.
- Diffused steam release mechanism which allows the steam to come out gently.
- Comes with oven mitts.
- Detachable power cord.
CONS
- No Yogurt function.
- Only comes in 6 quart.
- Takes longer to come to pressure because it needs to achieve 15 PSI of pressure on the Max setting.
- You will have to modify recipes if you’re using the Max setting.
Although it’s billed as the top of the line Instant Pot model, I’ve heard mixed reviews about this Instant Pot. Some people love it but others have had issues including the Sous Vide function not working properly. The Instant Pot Max may not be 100% safe for canning because the USDA has very specific rules about it. If you can buy it at a good discount, it might be a worthwhile purchase but otherwise I would go for the Pro Plus which has the best of Max, Pro and Wifi models.
Which Instant Pot Should you Buy?
So after all that information, are you scratching your head wondering which Instant Pot you should buy?
Best Instant Pot Size
The answer depends on how many people you’re cooking for.
- If you’re short on counter space and only cooking for 1 or 2 people or you want an extra Instant Pot, the 3 quart might work best for you.
- If you’re cooking for 5 people or fewer, you can’t go wrong with a 6 quart.
- If you want to freeze meals and meal prep or you have a family of 6 to 8 people, an 8 quart might work better for you.
- If you are cooking for very large groups, a 10 quart would work best.
Best Instant Pot Models
Which Instant Pot model to buy is a personal choice based on your needs. I recommend that you go onto the Instant Pot store website, Amazon, Kohl’s and other retailers and read the reviews before you make your choice. Here are my recommendations based on my own experience.
Best Budget
Instant Pot Duo Nova
The Nova has all the functionality including the Yogurt smart program. It has the easy-seal and easy push-button steam release feature. It comes in a 10 quart size. The only thing it’s missing is the Sous Vide smart program. It’s priced competitively and if you can get it on sale, that’s a bonus. If you’re a Costco member, the Instant Pot Duo Gourmet is a worthwhile buy. If it were available at other retailers, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as the Best Budget model.
Best Overall
Instant Pot Pro
I used to recommend the Duo Evo Plus but it’s been discontinued. The Instant Pot Pro has all the features of the Evo, and it is now my favorite model of Instant Pot because it has everything I need and more. The diffused steam release, inner pot handles, steam release switch, favorite buttons, and beautiful design make this Instant Pot a pleasure to use. For the price, features, and attractiveness, it’s an excellent value.
Best for Advanced Users
Instant Pot Pro Plus
The Pro Plus has the best features of the Max, Pro and Wifi models. It allows you to control most of the Instant Pot functions with your phone using an app, including pressure release. The intermittent or pulse pressure release feature, the slide-button steam release, and diffused steam release are worthwhile features too. The touchscreen display and the unit itself are very attractive.
Best Air Fryer
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
The Duo Crisp is perfect for someone who’s in the market for a pressure cooker AND an air fryer. Although it is missing a few features found in other models, it is a worthwhile purchase if you’re looking to save some counter space.
Philip
Do you know if the Duo Evo Plus lid will work on the Pro? I need to replace my Pro lid but it is not available. However a seller on eBay has Duo Evo Plus lids that appear to be identical.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Philip – yes, you can use the lids interchangeably. I do it with my two.
Dorothy Brown
I just found this site when I clicked on the IP Duo Evo Plus being discontinued. I purchased my IP a year ago and am a new user. I admire your patience even when questioners seem to think you are an IP representative! or challenge you over pricing! People are priceless. You deal with it with tact and grace.
I am eager to learn how to use the pot better, especially in preparation of vegetables.
Thank you for sharing your talent, and for your grace. You are a gracious, lovely heart.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you, Dorothy – that’s very kind of you. Hope you enjoy using your Instant Pot.
Tim Bogar
Thank you, that is one of the most useful product comparisons I’ve seen. Although the vast number of models still makes it a bit of a head-spinner.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Yes, they keep adding models and changing the features in existing models – hard to keep it all straight. Thank you for your feedback!
Elaine
Hello,
I am stuck between the viva and the gourmet..would love your 2 cents!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Elaine, I think they’re quite similar in functionality. I would get the Gourmet because I love Costco and their return policy!
Ruchi
Hello Nina
I have posted my same query in other websites too to get a clear idea..But I still want to get a reply from you..I think it will more helpful.
Thanks in advance
Ruchi
Hi Nina
If last time you could reply me:(
1.can every present in evo or ultra can be used ot duplicate with pressure cook setting.. I mean is it the same thing?
2. I have read in your evo review that it provides customization..So can you please explain that how the customization differs from ultra pot customization. What difference these two pots have in regards to customization?
What does full control or customization actually mean?
3.does evo and ultra have no pressure mode?
I need to order soon in so please try to reply to help me.
Thankful and grateful
Paint the Kitchen Red
Ruchi, I’m just a user like anyone else so I can only answer to the best of my ability 🙂 If you need more info you might want to contact the company at https://instantpot.com/instant-brands-contact-us/.
1. You can pretty much do anything using the Pressure Cook function.
2. For the Evo, to program the button to your own settings you use Custom. For the Ultra, you just change the settings. Same thing.
3. Yes, both have no pressure mode.
Good luck.
Ruchi
Hello
Many many thanks for your previous replies. Still please have few doubts:
1.which is the newest among evo plus and ultra?
2.Is there stock pot option in ultra,I haven’t seen that?
3.What is no pressure mode? Is it useful ? Does ultra and evo plus has same pressure modes?I mean low,high and no pressure.
Can we use no pressure mode for baking?
4. What are actually presets?Are presets really a good thing ,I mean ultra doesn’t have few presets as evo but can be managed with pressure cook button so is everything without preset is manageable in ultra or we really need that?
5. I am confused between these 2 pots.
If we can customize evo 48 presets so what customization does ultra support? I am not getting the thing full control in ultra and customize the evo presets?
And lastly can we customize pressure,time and mode in evo plus?
I would be thankful and grateful if you would reply this really long post.
Thanks a ton
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Ruchi –
1. Evo
2. Not sure what you mean. There is an inner pot without handles for the Ultra and one with handles for the Evo
3. No pressure is used for sous vide or for traditional steaming. Evo has sous vide.
4. Presets are just a convenience that allow you to press one button rather than program the options such as time, temp, pressure level, etc. Yes Pressure cook mode can be used instead of the presets. So I wouldn’t let a preset be the decision factor.
5. Evo just has more presets. You can accomplish the same with pressure cook mode.
Hope that helps. I understand your confusion, but both are good choices. I don’t think you can make a bad decision.
Ruchi
Hi
I am super confused between evo plus and ultra.
I have few questions:
1.is there no poultry function in ultra?
2.is there sous vide function in ultra?
And what’s the difference in the lids of both pots?Which is better?
Thanks
Paint the Kitchen Red
Ruchi, thanks for your question – 1. No poultry function in the Ultra, but you can use Pressure Cook instead – does the same thing. 2. No sous vide in the Ultra either, but you can use the Ultra setting and program it for “no pressure”. The lids are similar in that they self-seal and the steam release is easier (i.e. button and slide vs the handle that you have to turn on some other models) but the Duo evo plus has a diffused steam release which I really like. Although I do like the Ultra alot, I prefer the Evo over the Ultra slightly for that reason and it’s a little easier to program. Here are some negatives though: you can’t use the air fryer lid accessory with the Duo Evo Plus; the inner pot has handles and so you can’t turn it in place. e.g. when I’m sauteing I like to turn the inner pot while sauteing. Hope that helps.
Ruchi
Hello
Thanks for your help.
Again few questions;
1.can we customize the presets in evo if we want to. Or we have to use the same as per preset?
2: is 6 at sufficient for 6 people?
3.are handles really needed and usefulor we can work without it?
4. Can we bake in both pots ultra and evo with and without pressure?
Thankful
Paint the Kitchen Red
Ruchi, yes, when you change the time or temperature, the Instant Pot remembers what you last programmed it for and defaults to that. This is the case with most models. I have a family of 5 with one BIG eater 🙂 and the 6 quart is just fine. The handles are nice but not really necessary. There isn’t a dry bake function in the ultra model. Also, the dry bake function in the Duo Evo Plus takes quite a bit longer than regular recipes – I don’t find it too practical tbh – I prefer the Duo Crisp (with air fryer lid) to bake. Also, one thing I forgot to mention that I like about the Evo is the flat-bottomed inner pot. The oil tends to go to the sides on other models because the inner pot is slightly curved on the bottom.
Elaine Mazzella Ryan
I had an error messag.e. When looking it up in my manual, It said the wrong pot was in. Not so. However, when I turned it around with the measurements facing me, it seemed alright. I certainly was using the right pot. What gives here.?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Elaine, were you using the Saute function on the Duo Evo Plus? This appears to be a common issue. I would lower the temperature for Saute and see if that resolves the issue.
Larry Forman
I just purchased the 3 qt Ultra and noticed that you said it is only available in 6 qt and then 8 qt. Your web site is super helpful especially for new users. Many thanks!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Larry, Thanks for your comment. I haven’t updated the details in the post but there is a short note at the top noting that there are now 3 quart options for a couple of models.
JACKELIN SLACK
The lid to my crockpot broke and replacing it cost almost as much as buying a new one, so I FINALLY broke down and ordered the Duo 6-Quart. Thanks for all the helpful tips. No meat for me these nowadays, so I’ll be looking for vegetarian recipes on your blog. Can’t wait to start using my Instant Pot Thanks, Neena!
James Garvey
The IP Ultra now comes in an 8 Quart. How would you decide between the Duo Plus 8 qt and the Ultra 8 Qt?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi James – thanks for your question. Yes, I hear some people are already using them. I need to update this post don’t I? 🙂 I think the same questions apply. Will you be cooking for large groups and want lots of leftovers? I have a 6 quart (actually, I have two) and it makes a lot of food – more than enough for my family of five with some leftovers. I love my 6 quart Ultra but would also be happy with an 8 quart too. Mind you, the 8 quart is bigger and heavier – takes up a bit more room. Hope that helps!
James Garvey
Super helpful, I have a family of 4 (one away at college, one leaving this fall), so 6 qt seems like a better match and saves me some $$. One of my friends told me they wish they had gotten the 8 qt for leftovers, which was why I asked. Seems like the Smart BT has a lot more you can do with scripting, but I just don’t think we’ll take advantage of it. Have you found 6qt Ultra to offer you all the flexibility you need in preparing “set it and forget it” meals?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi James – the Ultra and Duo are very similar in terms of functionality, just the Ultra has some user-friendly features most notably the ‘self-sealing’ which I think is worthwhile because I’m super forgetful!
Kat
I really like your comments on the various IP models, however your price estimation on your favorite model of IP (ULTRA 10 in 1) @ $149.95 is about $187.00 lower than the one offered on Amazon today (12/26/17). The price shown there is $286.99 which makes me think the DUO 9 in 1 @ $119.95 may be a lot better bargain. What do you think?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Kat, I created the post about a month ago, so the prices are not current. I personally would not spend that much on the Ultra – you might want to wait until after the holidays until they’re fully back in stock. The Duo 9 in 1 price seems much more reasonable if you’re wanting to get one right now.
JACKELIN SLACK
This is such a great post. I came to your blog to figure out which instant pot to buy, but I had no idea how many models there are. This is great information, Neena. I’ll have to sit down and read this thoroughly when I have a moment. Thank you!!!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Jackelin – I’m glad you found it helpful, you’re so welcome! Good luck!