Instant Pot Duo Plus Review: Multi-Cooker for Real Families

Overview

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is one of the most popular multi-cookers for home kitchens, and it is easy to see why. It combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and more into a single stainless steel pot. For families, that promise sounds almost too good to be true: faster meals, fewer dirty pans, and more hands-off cooking.

The Duo Plus is a step up from the classic Instant Pot Duo. You get a brighter, more detailed display, additional presets like sous vide or yogurt (depending on the version you buy), an upgraded lid design, and easier to read status indicators. It comes in several sizes, most commonly 3, 6, and 8 quarts, so you can match the cooker to your household.

This review focuses on what the Duo Plus is like to live with in a real family kitchen. That means looking past marketing claims and into how fast it actually cooks, how the food tastes, how noisy or intimidating it feels, and whether it truly earns its footprint on your counter or in a crowded cabinet.

Who it is for

The Instant Pot Duo Plus makes the most sense for busy households that cook at home several nights a week. If you often find yourself throwing something together at the last minute, relying on takeout more than you would like, or reheating the same frozen meals, you are the exact person this cooker is aimed at. It shines for one-pot dinners, hands-off soups and stews, and big-batch staples like beans, shredded chicken, or rice.

It is also a good match if you want to simplify your appliance collection. The Duo Plus can realistically replace a basic rice cooker, an older slow cooker, and a separate yogurt maker. If you have a small kitchen, combining all of those into one footprint can feel like a game changer.

On the other hand, it is not ideal if you mostly roast or bake, or if you love the deep, caramelized flavors that come from long oven time. It can brown food reasonably well using sauté mode, but it will not replace a heavy skillet or Dutch oven for high-heat searing. And if you already own a standard Instant Pot Duo that you like, the upgrades on the Duo Plus are nice but not essential for every cook.

How it feels and performs

Out of the box, the Duo Plus feels sturdy but not bulky. The stainless steel inner pot has a reassuring weight and can handle metal utensils, which is a relief if you are used to babying nonstick coatings. The lid locks with a solid click, and the steam release handle is clearly labeled, which helps if you feel nervous around pressure cookers.

The control panel is one of the main upgrades over older models. Buttons are clearly labeled, and the digital display shows whether the pot is preheating, at pressure, or counting down. That feedback matters in a hectic kitchen, because you can glance over and see whether dinner is almost done or if you still have time to help with homework.

Pressure cooking performance

Pressure cooking is where the Duo Plus earns its spot. For standard weeknight meals, it feels genuinely fast once you have a rhythm. From cold start, a typical 6 quart Duo Plus will take around 10 minutes to come up to pressure for soups and stews, a little longer for very full pots. After that, the active cook times really are short.

Examples that hold up in real kitchens:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs from fresh: about 8 to 12 minutes at pressure, plus a quick release. The meat comes out tender and shreddable without drying out.
• Frozen chicken breasts: about 12 to 15 minutes, which is still faster and safer than guessing in the oven.
• Dried beans (after soaking): usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type. They emerge creamy and evenly cooked, far better than canned for many dishes.
• Hearty beef stew: 30 to 35 minutes under pressure yields fork-tender chunks that would usually require hours on the stove.

The texture of food out of the Duo Plus is generally excellent if you follow sensible recipes. Meats stay moist, grains cook evenly without scorching, and soups develop deeper flavor than their total simmer time suggests. Where it can stumble is delicate vegetables. If you cook them under pressure for too long, they can go from crisp-tender to mushy quickly. For family cooking, the fix is simple: add vegetables later or cook them briefly using the sauté or steam settings instead.

Slow cook, rice, and other modes

The slow cook function is serviceable but not outstanding. On the default settings, it tends to run cooler than many dedicated crock-style slow cookers. That means you may need to add an extra hour or two to old slow cooker recipes. Once you adjust, the results are fine, but if you adore old-fashioned slow cooking and already have a slow cooker you love, you may not want to toss it.

The rice program is better than most budget rice cookers and truly convenient for everyday dinners. White rice comes out fluffy and separate if you rinse it first, and brown rice cooks evenly without dry edges. The inner pot lacks a dedicated nonstick coating, so you might see a thin layer stick on the bottom with starchy varieties, but a quick soak after dinner usually handles cleanup.

Extra functions like yogurt, sous vide, or sterilize are niche but nice to have. If you have ever wanted to try homemade yogurt, the Duo Plus keeps the milk at a stable incubation temperature for thick, tangy batches that cost pennies per serving. Sous vide on the Duo Plus is not as precise as a dedicated wand, but it is accurate enough for tender chicken breasts or pork chops within a comfortable family-friendly temperature range.

Noise, steam, and safety

All pressure cookers release hot steam, and the Duo Plus is no exception, but it does a good job of keeping things controlled. During cooking it is relatively quiet, with a low hum and occasional soft clicks as it regulates pressure. The loudest moment is when you do a quick release of steam. The valve vents in a strong jet, so you need to keep it clear of cabinets and under-cabinet lighting.

Safety features are thoughtful and reassuring for parents. The lid will not open while the pot is pressurized, there are multiple backup pressure sensors, and the interface shows you clearly when it is safe. As long as you keep the sealing ring clean and do not overfill beyond the marked max lines, the Duo Plus is very safe to use, even if you have never used a stovetop pressure cooker.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleanup is straightforward. The stainless inner pot goes right into the dishwasher or can be scrubbed with a sponge. The lid needs a quick rinse, and the silicone sealing ring can be popped out and washed separately. The outside of the cooker only needs a wipe down with a damp cloth.

One real-world tip: consider buying a second sealing ring. The ring can hold onto strong odors like curry, garlic, or chili. Keeping one ring for savory dishes and one for neutral or sweet recipes keeps your vanilla yogurt from smelling like last week's chili.

How to use for best results

If you want the Duo Plus to become a true weeknight workhorse instead of a gadget that gathers dust, a few habits make a big difference. Start by picking two or three recipes that your family already loves and finding trustworthy pressure cooker versions. Master those first so you build confidence before branching out.

When pressure cooking, always pay attention to liquid. The pot needs a minimum amount of thin liquid, usually about 1 cup for a 6 quart model, to build and maintain pressure. Thick sauces like tomato paste or cream-based soups can burn on the bottom if they are not diluted or layered above thinner liquids.

Plan for preheat and release time in your schedule. If a recipe says to cook for 10 minutes at pressure followed by a 10 minute natural release, the real total is often closer to 30 minutes including the time to pressurize. As you get used to that rhythm, you will find it easier to start the pot before you pick up kids, start baths, or clean up the living room.

Use the sauté setting to build flavor, but do not expect restaurant-grade searing. Dry meats well, preheat the pot, and work in small batches. Once things are browned, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or water, scraping up the flavorful browned bits so they do not trigger a burn warning.

For families that eat at different times, the keep warm feature is genuinely helpful. After cooking, the Duo Plus can hold food at a safe serving temperature for hours. Just know that delicate foods like vegetables or seafood may soften more over time, so they are best served soon after cooking, while chilis and stews often improve as they sit.

Pros and cons

Here is how the Instant Pot Duo Plus stacks up for real family use.

Pros

• Highly versatile multi-cooker that can handle pressure, slow cook, rice, yogurt, steam, and more in one appliance.
• Excellent pressure cooking results with tender meats, flavorful soups, and evenly cooked beans and grains.
• Clear, modern display and simple controls reduce intimidation for beginners.
• Stainless steel inner pot is durable, dishwasher safe, and safe for metal utensils.
• Multiple size options so singles, couples, and larger families can all find a fit.
• Hands-off cooking frees you to multitask with kids, chores, or work while dinner cooks.

Cons

• Takes up noticeable counter or cabinet space, especially in small kitchens.
• Learning curve for pressure cooking times and understanding preheat and release stages.
• Slow cook mode is weaker than many dedicated slow cookers and may require timing adjustments.
• Sauté function is useful but less powerful than a stovetop pan for deep browning.
• Silicone sealing ring retains strong odors and may need to be replaced or rotated.
• If you already own a working Instant Pot Duo, the upgrades may not justify a full-price upgrade.

Final verdict

For most real-world families, the Instant Pot Duo Plus lives up to its promise as a true helper in the kitchen. It does not magically cook dinner in five minutes, but it does reliably turn pantry staples and simple ingredients into full meals with far less hands-on time. Once you know how long your favorite dishes take and how much liquid they need, the Duo Plus can feel like a quiet second cook on your counter.

If you are deciding between the Duo and the Duo Plus, the Plus is worth the extra cost if you value the clearer display, extra presets like yogurt or sous vide, and the slight ease of use improvements. Those quality-of-life tweaks matter when you are juggling kids, work, and a dozen other tasks while trying to get food on the table.

If you rarely cook or only use your current Instant Pot for the occasional pot of chili, you may not need the upgrade. But if you are committed to eating at home more, want to simplify meal prep, and like the idea of one appliance handling rice, beans, stews, and weekly yogurt, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is a smart, family-friendly buy that can earn its place in your everyday routine.

See also

To round out your everyday cooking toolkit, see our guide to kitchen knife sets for home cooks that pairs well with a multi-cooker like the Duo Plus.

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FAQ

Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus worth the upgrade over the regular Duo for a family?

For many families, yes. The Duo Plus costs a bit more, but the clearer display, extra programs like yogurt or sous vide (depending on version), and updated interface make it easier to use when you are distracted or rushed. If you already have a working Duo and mainly use a couple of basic programs, you may not notice a huge difference, but if you are buying your first multi-cooker, the Duo Plus feels more modern and user friendly for everyday family cooking.

What size Instant Pot Duo Plus should I buy for my household?

For one or two people who mostly cook small batches, the 3 quart can be enough, especially in very small kitchens. For most families of three to five, the 6 quart size hits the best balance between capacity and footprint. If you regularly cook big roasts, whole chickens, or double batches for freezing, or if you have a large family or entertain often, the 8 quart Duo Plus gives you more room and makes it easier to fit full one-pot meals without crowding.

Can the Duo Plus really replace my slow cooker and rice cooker?

For many households, it can, with a couple of caveats. The rice program is strong and should satisfy anyone who is not extremely particular about rice texture, and it saves you from owning a separate rice cooker. The slow cook mode works, but often runs cooler than older crock-style slow cookers, so you may need to extend cooking times. If you rely heavily on slow cooking and love your current slow cooker's exact results, you may choose to keep it, but most families can comfortably let the Duo Plus take over both roles.

Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus safe to leave unattended while it is cooking?

Used correctly, the Duo Plus is designed to be safe for unattended cooking in a typical household. It has multiple safety features, including lid locks, pressure sensors, and automatic shutoff if it detects a problem. The key is to follow the manual: do not overfill past the marked max lines, keep the steam release and lid free of obstructions, and make sure the sealing ring is properly seated. Many families routinely start it before school pickup or chores and come back to a finished meal without issues.

How long does a typical weeknight dinner take in the Duo Plus from start to finish?

For most one-pot weeknight meals, plan on 30 to 45 minutes total, including preheating and pressure release. For example, a chicken and rice dinner might take about 10 to 15 minutes to come to pressure, 8 to 10 minutes of pressure cooking, and 5 to 10 minutes to release pressure and rest. That is not instant, but it is mostly hands-off time, so you can use it to help kids with homework, tidy up, or prep tomorrow's lunches while dinner finishes itself.

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