Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Best BudgetInstant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
Best for BeginnersPrice
$90-$110
$113-$160
Summary
The #1 bestseller on Amazon with over 100,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the Duo delivers reliable pressure cooking, slow cooking, and rice at under $110. CNET, Good Housekeeping, and Epicurious all recommend it as the best entry-level pick.
Good Housekeeping's best overall pick and a top value in multi-cooker roundups, the Duo Plus adds a brighter display, mid-cook adjustments, and cake/egg settings over the base Duo. It's the easiest on-ramp to pressure cooking.
Pros
- Amazon's #1 bestseller with 4.7-star average from 100,000+ reviews
- 7 functions: pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt, keep warm
- High and low pressure settings for more control over delicate foods
- Detachable cord makes cabinet storage easier
- Lightest model tested at 11.8 lbs — easy to move around
- Large, bright LED display is easier to read than the base Duo
- Can edit cooking time and pressure level mid-cook without canceling
- 25 customizable smart programs with step-by-step instructions
- Anti-spin inner pot design prevents rocking during sautéing
- Available in 6- and 8-quart sizes
Cons
- Slow natural pressure release compared to other models
- Steam release valve must be turned by hand, risking hot steam on fingers
- Inner pot lacks heat-safe handles
- No cake, sterilize, or egg settings
- Natural pressure release is slow compared to other models tested
- Inner pot lacks handles, requiring it to cool before removal
- More expensive than the base Instant Pot Duo
Our take
The Duo is the pressure cooker that converted millions of people — and for good reason. It's not flashy, but it cooks beans, stews, and rice reliably, and at under $110 it's the easiest recommendation to make.
The Duo Plus is the sweet spot: more capable than the base Duo, cheaper than the Pro, and genuinely beginner-friendly with 25 guided smart programs. If you're new to pressure cooking, start here.
Buy
