Both the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Pro Crisp are great models. They are similar in a lot of ways but there are some crucial differences. Find out everything you need to compare the Instant Pot Pro Crisp vs Duo Crisp so you can decide which one is right for you.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances that have come around in years. It seems like everyone has one. The Instant Pot Duo was one of the first models to be introduced and it’s also the most popular model. It was my first Instant Pot.
Until recently, Instant Pot cooking was limited to certain types of recipes, and crisping up or baking foods was out of the question. The introduction of the air fryer lid has been a game-changer.
You can make air fryer frozen french fries, chicken wings, roasted brussel sprouts, roasted potatoes, and even bake a pound cake with the air fryer lid.
You can purchase the air fryer lid as an accessory that can be used with certain models of Instant Pot. At this time, this accessory is only available for the 6-quart size of these models.
But you can also buy Instant Pots that come built-in with air fryer functionality. This article focuses on two models that come with an air fryer lid: the Duo Crisp and Pro Crisp.
Maybe you’ve finally decided to buy an Instant Pot or you just want to get a second one but are having trouble deciding between the Instant Pot Duo Crisp v Pro Crisp. Which model should you buy? Let’s compare the two in the sections below.
Be sure to check out my guides on which Instant Pot to buy, the Instant Pot sizes and how they compare, and the dimensions of various Instant Pot models and sizes.
I’ve also compared other Instant Pot models including the Instant Pot Pro vs Duo, Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Nova and the Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Plus.
Duo Crisp
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a pressure cooker and an air fryer. It was the first model to be introduced with the air fryer functionality built in. Refer to my comprehensive Duo Crisp user guide for details. Here are some highlights of this model:
Duo Crisp Features Summary
Sizes:
Display Panel:
- The display panel has only buttons and no knob.
- Temperature and cooking time can be adjusted with dedicated buttons.
- To turn on the Instant Pot, press Start.
Inner Pot:
- The stainless steel inner pot is the same as on the Instant Pot Duo, Ultra, and Duo Nova.
- The inner pot doesn’t have any handles and the bottom is slightly raised in the middle, which allows the pressure sensors to detect when the Instant Pot is pressurized.
Pressure Cooker Lid:
- The pressure cooker lid on the Duo Crisp is similar to the Ultra and Duo Nova.
- You release steam by pressing a button.
- The lid also auto-seals i.e. you don’t need to turn the knob from Venting to Sealing position as with some older models of Instant Pot.
Air Fryer Lid:
- The air fryer lid is slightly taller than the air fryer lid on the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, but it’s also slightly lighter.
- The maximum air fry temperature is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Accessories:
- The Duo Crisp comes with an air fryer basket, a protective pad, and a trivet.
Pro Crisp
Like the Duo Crisp, the Pro Crisp is also a pressure cooker and air fryer. It has a few extra features that distinguish it from the Duo Crisp. I’ll compare the two models further below. Here are some highlights:
Pro Crisp Features Summary
Sizes:
- It comes in the 8 quart size only.
Display Panel:
- It has a sleek black profile and the display panel is very similar to the Instant Pot Pro and the now-discontinued Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus.
- You use buttons and a knob to program the time and temperature.
- The display panel has a status bar which tells you what stage of pressure cooking it’s in i.e. Preheating, Cooking or Keep Warm mode.
- It also has icons that tell you whether it’s in pressure cooking mode or air fryer mode, whether sound is on and if the Delay Start feature is enabled.
- To turn on the Instant Pot, you press Start.
Inner Pot:
- The stainless steel inner pot is the same as on Instant Pot Pro.
- The inner pot has silicone handles and the bottom is flat.
- This inner pot cannot be used in other models of Instant Pot except those with handles, such as the Pro.
Pressure Cooker Lid:
- The pressure cooker lid on the Pro Crisp is similar to the Instant Pot Pro lid.
- You release steam by moving a switch.
- The lid also auto-seals i.e. you don’t need to turn the knob to the Sealing position as with some older models of Instant Pot.
- The steam release mechanism has a diffuser cover that allows the steam to be released in a gentler (and less scary!) way.
- The lid has a space where you can place a QuickCool tray accessory filled with ice to quickly release pressure by cooling the Instant Pot faster after pressure cooking.
Air Fryer Lid:
- The Pro Crisp air fryer lid is slightly heavier than the Duo Crisp lid.
- The maximum air fry temperature is 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Accessories:
- The Pro Crisp comes with an air fryer basket, a protective pad, and a trivet.
Smart Programs Comparison
Every Instant Pot has smart programs that allow you to perform a cooking function with the press of a button. The Duo Crisp and the Pro Crisp have all the same smart programs.
| SMART PROGRAMS | DUO CRISP | PRO CRISP |
|---|---|---|
| Non air frying | ||
| – Pressure Cook | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Saute | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Slow Cook | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Steam | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Sous Vide | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air frying | ||
| – Air Fry | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Roast | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Broil | ✔ | ✔ |
| – Dehydrate | ✔ | ✔ |
Features Comparison
There are many similarities between the two models but also some important differences. Most of the differences have to do with pressure cooking features.
| FEATURES | DUO CRISP | PRO CRISP |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Seal with Button | ✔ | |
| Easy Seal with Switch | ✔ | |
| Diffused Steam Release | ✔ | |
| Inner Pot With Handles | ✔ | |
| QuickCool Tray | ✔ | |
| Progress Bar | ✔ | |
| Status Icons | ✔ | |
| Color | Silver | Black |
| Sizes | 6 quart 8 quart | 8 quart |
| Air Fry Temperature | 105 to 400° F | 70 to 450° F |
Specifications Comparison
The Duo Crisp comes in two sizes and the Pro Crisp comes in just the 8 quart size. The specs are very similar between the two 8 quarts, but the Pro Crisp is heavier by about 4 lbs.
| DUO CRISP 6 QUART | DUO CRISP 8 QUART | PRO CRISP 8 QUART | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Element | 1500 watts | 1500 watts | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120 V | 60 Hz | 120 V | 60 Hz | 120 V | 60 Hz |
| Pressure Level | High Pressure (10.2 – 11.6 psi) Low Pressure (5.8 – 7.2 psi) | High Pressure (10.2 – 11.6 psi) Low Pressure (5.8 – 7.2 psi) | High Pressure (9.4 – 12.3 psi) Low Pressure (5.0 – 8.0 psi) |
| Dimensions (with Pressure Cooker Lid) | 13.58 L × 13.58 W × 12.99 H | 14.76 L × 13.58 W × 14.17 H | 14.78 L × 14.24 W × 14.17 |
| Dimensions (with Air Fryer Lid) | 13.58 L × 13.58 W × 13.97 H | 14.76 L × 13.58 W × 15.28 H | 14.78 L × 14.24 W × 15.35 |
| Weight | 19.62 lbs | 22.18 | 26.2 lbs |
Which Model is Better?
If you take price out of the equation, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp is definitely the better pick. But in the real world, price is always a consideration! If you can get a Pro Crisp at a price comparable to the Duo Crisp price, go for it!
Here are the reasons why you’d want to buy one model over the other:
PRO CRISP
- You don’t care about cost or you can get it at a good sale price that’s similar to that of the Duo Crisp.
- You’ll be pressure cooking more than air frying. The plus points of the Pro Crisp primarily apply to pressure cooking.
- You already own a Duo Evo Plus or Pro model – you can use the inner pots interchangably.
DUO CRISP
- You don’t want to get an 8 quart due to the bulkiness and prefer the smaller size of the 6 quart, which the Pro Crisp does not currently carry.
- You’ll be air frying more than pressure cooking. The plus points of the Pro Crisp primarily apply to pressure cooking.
Della
Thank You for comparing these in a concise & organized fashion. It has really helped with making my decision.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Della, you’re welcome!
Αργυρω
good evening, I want to buy my first instant pot to make healthier meals for us and our children! does the instant pot procrisp also make yogurt?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Yes, the pro crisp does have a yogurt setting.
Made4music
Hey there…im looking at purchasing the pro crisp but am wondering if I can bake with it like cakes muffins and cookies and if I could boil eggs with it?
Thanks for the review it totally helped me decide!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Yes! I love baking in my Pro Crisp and Duo Crisp. I don’t boil eggs with the air fryer lid, but use the pressure cooker lid. Here are some recipes you can look at:
– Hard boiled eggs
– Pound cake
Lara
Hi, thanks for the comparison. Is the 6qt (Duo Crisp) too small to cool a small chicken?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Lara, yes a 6 quart should be able to hold a 5 lb chicken as long as it’s not too wide!
Mélanie from france
Hi, I want to buy my first Instant Pot! I would like to know if the dehydrate function goes well to make aromatic plants for herbal tea and if there is an accessory like a basket to dehydrate several ranges of plants or fruits. Thanks for you help!
Paint the Kitchen Red
Melanie, I would say that the dehydrator function works fine but it’s not the best feature of this model. If you’ll be doing serious dehydrating you may be underwhelmed. One reason is the capacity of the basket – it’s pretty small. Also, very light items can fly around because of the fan. So if you’ll be doing some dehydrating but mostly using the unit for pressure cooking and air frying, I say go for it.
Mélanie from france
I really thank you for your answer. I guess I will really have to buy a complete dehydrator as I was planning before discovering the Instant Pot products. And I will buy the Duo model which is less expensive and smaller (best for 2-4 persons). Many thanks again!
Joyce Ansari
Thanks so much for the comparison information! There is a large price difference but not so much on features. So thanks for helping me decide which one will best meet my needs.
Joy
Paint the Kitchen Red
Joyce, you’re so welcome. I am sure you’ll be very happy with your purchase.
Judy
One more question. Will the accessories from original 8Qt IP fit the Pro Duo Crisp? Eg: egg rack, spring form, pot in pots
Paint the Kitchen Red
The accessories from the regular 8 quart will fit both the Pro Crisp and Duo Crisp 8 quart models.
Judy
I’m confused. Seems like there’s a few models of the 8Qt Pro Duo Crisp (maybe upgraded vs original?). My main concern is getting the flat bottom liner with handles vs the convex (bad for saute and burn issues). Every shopping site has different info or not enough.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Hi Judy, there’s the Pro (which doesn’t have air fry capability), the Duo Crisp, and the Pro Crisp. The Pro and Pro Crisp do have the handles and flat inner pot. The Duo Crisp does not have the handles and has a curved inner pot. Hope that helps.
Isa
How much wider is the 8qt fry basket than the 6qt? I currently have the six squared and find it quite small.
Isa
sorry for the typo… I meant to say that I currently have the 6 quart air fryer basket and find it quite small.
Paint the Kitchen Red
Isa, it’s an inch bigger at 8.25 inches. I believe yours is 7.25 inches but please do check.
Silvana
This is a fantastic, comprehensive comparison. I had been looking for one like this for a long time.. thank you very much for putting it together. It has helped me to make my mind up. 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you, I’m so glad it was helpful!
Joby
Can make white rice with duo crisp/pro crisp?
Paint the Kitchen Red
Absolutely – just use the pressure cook button. Here’s a recipe for Jasmine rice and here’s a recipe for basmati rice.