Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6-Quart
Best 2-in-1 with Air FryerInstant Pot RIO Wide 7.5-Quart
Best Large CapacityPrice
$160-$230
$100-$140
Summary
A separate air fryer lid transforms this into a superconvection air fryer that rivals standalone units — CNET says results rival their favorite dedicated air fryers. One appliance replaces two, and it still does all the standard Instant Pot pressure cooking.
At over 16 inches wide, the RIO Wide fits a whole chicken without crowding and sears large cuts without batching — Serious Eats calls it their best budget pick for its spacious cooking surface and easy-release steam valve. Ideal for families and batch cookers.
Pros
- Separate air fryer lid delivers superconvection results that rival standalone air fryers per CNET testing
- 11 cooking functions including pressure cook, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate
- Sturdy stainless steel inner cooking pot
- Available in 6- or 8-quart capacity
- Replaces two appliances for less than buying both separately
- 16+ inch wide cooking surface fits a whole chicken and sears large cuts without batching
- Status light shows exactly where the cooker is in its cooking process
- Anti-spin inner pot stays anchored during sauté
- Easy-Release steam valve vents hot air quickly and safely — good for pressure cooking beginners
- Stainless steel inner pot and steam rack are dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Two separate lids to store and manage
- Missing canning, sterilize, poultry, and egg settings
- More expensive than standard Instant Pot models
- Inner cooking pot has no handles — must wait for it to cool before removing
- May take up too much counter space in smaller kitchens at 17.9 pounds
- Only 7 cooking functions vs. 10 on the Pro models
Our take
If counter space is tight and you want both an Instant Pot and an air fryer, the Duo Crisp is the obvious answer. The air frying lid is genuinely good — not a compromise — and the pressure cooking side is solid.
The RIO Wide is the Instant Pot for people who cook in volume. The wide, flat base means you can actually brown a large piece of meat properly, and the 7.5-quart capacity means you're not cooking in shifts. It's the one I'd buy for a family of four or more.
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