Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6 Quart Review
The legendary 9-in-1 multicooker cooks 70% faster while using 60% less energy with foolproof one-touch simplicity.
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker is the kitchen revolution that's transformed millions of home cooks into confident chefs through its legendary set-it-and-forget-it convenience. This 6-quart powerhouse replaces nine appliances—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, warmer, sterilizer, and sous vide—saving counter space while delivering restaurant-quality results up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. With 15 customizable smart programs, intuitive controls, and over 10 proven safety mechanisms including overheat protection and automatic pressure release, even pressure cooking beginners achieve perfect meals confidently. The tri-ply stainless steel anti-spin inner pot, dishwasher-safe components, and access to 800+ app recipes make this the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that pays for itself within weeks through time savings and reduced takeout spending.
Key Features
- 9-in-1 Functionality: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer, Sterilizer, and Sous Vide in one appliance
- 6-Quart Family Capacity: Perfect for 4-6 servings, ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- 15 Smart Programs: One-touch presets for Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Slow Cook, Sauté, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Yogurt, Pressure Cook, Keep Warm, Sterilize, and Sous Vide
- 70% Faster Cooking: Pressure cooking delivers meals in a fraction of traditional time while retaining nutrients and flavor
- 60% Energy Efficient: Uses significantly less electricity than conventional ovens, saving money and the environment
- 10+ Safety Mechanisms: Overheat protection, pressure regulator, safety lock lid, anti-block shield, and more for worry-free operation
- Tri-Ply Anti-Spin Pot: Heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel inner pot with three-layer bottom stays securely in place during sautéing
- Whisper-Quiet Steam Release: Gentle, controlled steam release is noticeably quieter than older pressure cooker models
- Dishwasher-Safe Components: Lid, inner pot, and steam rack clean effortlessly in dishwasher
- Dual Pressure Settings: Low and High pressure options optimize cooking for delicate and hearty foods
- 800+ Recipe App: Free companion app provides endless meal inspiration with step-by-step guidance
- Extra Accessories Included: Comes with 2 sealing rings and stainless steel steam rack for versatility
- Delay Start Timer: Program meals up to 24 hours in advance for dinner-ready when you arrive home
- Large LCD Display: Clear, intuitive interface shows cooking progress, time remaining, and pressure level
- 1000W Power: Consistent, reliable heating performance for perfect results every time
What We Like
- Legendary reliability—the proven Instant Pot millions trust for daily use
- 9-in-1 versatility replaces nine separate appliances, saving counter and cabinet space
- Cooks 70% faster than traditional methods—dinner in 30 minutes instead of hours
- 60% more energy efficient than conventional ovens reduces electricity bills
- 15 smart programs eliminate guesswork with one-touch preset convenience
- Perfect for beginners—foolproof operation with comprehensive safety mechanisms
- Tri-ply anti-spin inner pot stays secure during sautéing without rotating
- Whisper-quiet steam release won't startle pets or sleeping children
- 6-quart capacity feeds families while fitting most countertops
- Dishwasher-safe components make cleanup genuinely effortless
- 800+ recipe app provides endless inspiration and step-by-step guidance
- Delay start timer means dinner ready when you walk in the door
- Exceptional value—pays for itself within weeks through time and takeout savings
- Includes 2 extra sealing rings (prevents flavor transfer between sweet/savory)
- Transforms tough, cheap cuts of meat into fork-tender perfection
What Could Be Better
- Learning curve to understand pressure cooking timing for different foods
- Requires counter space when in use and storage space when not
- Initial investment higher than basic slow cookers (but replaces 9 appliances)
- Sealing ring can retain odors—why they include 2 for sweet/savory separation
- Manual recipe conversion needed for traditional cookbook recipes
Verdict
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 isn't just hype—it genuinely deserves its legendary status as the kitchen appliance that transformed home cooking for millions. The ability to pressure cook meals 70% faster while using 60% less energy isn't marketing speak; it's the difference between a 4-hour pot roast and a 90-minute fork-tender masterpiece, or between arriving home to start dinner and arriving home to dinner already finished via the delay timer. The 9-in-1 functionality means this single appliance replaces your pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, food warmer, sterilizer, and sous vide machine—freeing up valuable counter and cabinet space while eliminating appliance clutter. The 15 smart programs with one-touch operation make it genuinely foolproof for beginners, while the customizable settings satisfy advanced users. The whisper-quiet operation, tri-ply anti-spin inner pot, and comprehensive safety mechanisms show thoughtful engineering beyond just functionality. At 6 quarts, it feeds families comfortably while remaining compact enough for most kitchens. The dishwasher-safe components and access to 800+ free recipes via the app eliminate the two biggest cooking barriers: cleanup dread and meal planning fatigue. Yes, there's an initial learning curve to understand pressure cooking timing, and you'll need recipes specifically designed for pressure cookers at first, but the included manual and massive online community provide abundant support. Within weeks, this appliance pays for itself through time savings, reduced takeout spending, and the ability to transform inexpensive tough cuts into restaurant-quality meals. For busy families, meal preppers, or anyone seeking to reclaim their evenings while still enjoying home-cooked meals, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is the rare kitchen investment that exceeds its considerable reputation.
FAQ
Is pressure cooking safe for beginners?
Absolutely! Modern electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot feature over 10 safety mechanisms including overheat protection, pressure regulators, safety lock lids, and automatic pressure release. Unlike old-fashioned stovetop pressure cookers that could be dangerous, the Instant Pot is designed to be foolproof with sensors that prevent unsafe operation. Millions of first-time users cook confidently every day.
How does it cook 70% faster?
Pressure cooking uses trapped steam to raise the boiling point of water from 212°F to around 250°F, dramatically accelerating cooking times. A pot roast that takes 4 hours in a slow cooker or conventional oven cooks perfectly in 60-90 minutes. Chicken breasts finish in 10 minutes, beans in 30 minutes without soaking, and rice in under 15 minutes.
What's the difference between Duo and Duo Plus?
The Duo Plus includes additional features like Sterilize and Sous Vide functions, an improved LCD display, enhanced user interface, and comes with 2 extra sealing rings instead of 1. It's the most user-friendly model in the Instant Pot lineup with refined controls and a more polished experience.
Can I use regular slow cooker recipes?
Yes! The Slow Cook function works just like a traditional slow cooker. However, the real magic happens when you convert recipes to pressure cooking for 70% faster results. The 800+ recipe app and online community provide countless pressure cooker adaptations of favorite recipes.
Why does it come with 2 sealing rings?
Sealing rings can absorb odors from strong-flavored foods. The included 2 rings let you designate one for savory cooking (meats, curries, garlic) and one for sweet dishes (yogurt, desserts, oatmeal), preventing flavor transfer between meals.
What can I cook in it?
Almost anything! Popular uses include pot roasts, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, soups, stews, chili, beans, rice, risotto, pasta, steamed vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, cheesecakes, yogurt, and even whole chickens. The 6-quart size accommodates most family meals and meal prep needs.
Is cleanup difficult?
Not at all! The stainless steel inner pot, lid, and steam rack are all dishwasher-safe. Most one-pot meals mean minimal cleanup—just the inner pot. The anti-spin design with tri-ply bottom is especially easy to clean without burned-on residue from sautéing.
How long does it take to come to pressure?
The time to reach pressure varies based on food quantity and starting temperature, typically 10-20 minutes. This "come to pressure" time isn't included in recipe cook times, so plan accordingly. However, even accounting for this, pressure cooking is still significantly faster than conventional methods.
Does it really save energy?
Yes! The Instant Pot uses 60% less energy than conventional ovens because it cooks faster and in a sealed environment that retains heat efficiently. At just 1000 watts, it costs pennies per use compared to running a full-size oven for hours. Over a year, the energy savings add up significantly.