Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus the best electric pressure cooker for quick meals? Reviews inside!

Description

A Day in the Kitchen with the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

I’ve been using this multi-functional kitchen appliance for a few months now, and let me just say—it’s been an adventure. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is not just another gadget collecting dust in the corner of the kitchen. This thing has earned its spot on my counter. From soups to yogurt to perfectly cooked rice, I’ve been putting this versatile device through the wringer daily, and it continues to surprise me.

How Does It Work? Let Me Tell You About the Features

This appliance is described as a 9-in-1 device, and it’s not false advertising. It functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sterilizer, warmer, and even has sous vide capability. I’ve tested most of these features myself. My absolute favorite? The pressure cooker. It has turned tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes in record time. The sauté function is another lifesaver, letting you brown ingredients right in the pot before slow or pressure cooking. This eliminates extra pans and cleanup.

The control panel deserves a mention too. It’s touch-sensitive and intuitive. The redesigned cooking progress bar is a game changer—it visually shows the stage of cooking the device is at, so there’s no guessing or pacing nervously around the kitchen. For someone who juggles work calls and meal prep, this kind of feedback is invaluable.

Cooking Experiences and Settings

One of my first experiments was a simple chicken and rice dish. I threw in some frozen chicken breasts, rice, and broth, set it on a pressure-cooking program, and 20 minutes later, dinner was ready. The meat was juicy, and the rice was cooked just right—not mushy, not underdone. The app, which offers over 800 recipes, gave me the idea for this one.

For meal prep Sundays, I’ve used the steamer option to batch-cook veggies. The results? Perfectly steamed broccoli and carrots that didn’t turn into mush. My partner is obsessed with the yogurt-making feature. It’s straightforward, though it does require some patience. After a few tries, we now enjoy homemade yogurt weekly, and yes, it tastes better than store-bought.

Pros

• Multi-functionality: Combining nine appliances into one saves counter space and money.
• Ease of cleaning: The stainless-steel inner pot and lid are dishwasher-safe.
• Cooking speed: The pressure cooker cuts cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods.
• Safety features: Ten safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and a locking lid, make it foolproof.
• Large capacity: The 6-quart size is perfect for families or meal prepping.

Cons

• Learning curve: The multiple settings can be overwhelming for first-time users. Reading the manual is a must.
• Bulky size: It’s not tiny; finding counter space might be challenging in smaller kitchens.
• Smelly lid seal: The silicone sealing ring tends to absorb food odors, which can linger.
• Prep time considerations: While fast, the time to pressurize and depressurize isn’t always accounted for.
• Inner pot sticking: The stainless-steel pot sometimes clings to food, especially if you forget to deglaze.

Comparison to Competitors

I’ve owned a traditional slow cooker and a rice cooker before, but neither offered the versatility or speed of this product. Compared to models from Ninja or Crock-Pot, the Instant Pot Duo Plus edges out with its 15 customizable smart programs and its app for recipes. The Ninja Foodi, for instance, includes air frying but lacks the depth of features like yogurt-making. While Crock-Pot’s slow cookers are excellent for their specific purpose, they can’t compete with the multifunctionality of this device.

However, the Duo Plus doesn’t entirely escape criticism. The Instant Pot Pro, another option from the same brand, boasts faster preheating and a quieter steam release mechanism. If noise or time is your main concern, you might prefer the Pro model. That said, the Duo Plus comes at a more accessible price point.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Speaking of price, it’s not the cheapest kitchen appliance you’ll buy, but it’s certainly not the most expensive either. The number of features and the quality of the device make it a solid investment for anyone who spends a decent amount of time cooking. It’s particularly great for busy families or individuals who like batch cooking on weekends. The stainless-steel construction ensures durability, and the safety mechanisms add peace of mind. Compared to buying separate devices for all its functions, the Duo Plus saves you both money and space.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—but keep in mind those few quirks, like the smelly sealing ring and the time needed for pressurization. Once you learn to navigate these, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

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