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Welcome back to Reviews Inside TV! Thanks for joining me today, where we break down products in a way that truly gives you the inside scoop. Today, we’re diving into the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid, a 13-in-1 air fryer and pressure cooker combo that’s trying to simplify cooking in your kitchen. We’re talking about one lid that handles everything from sautéing to sous vide. Let’s explore if it really lives up to the hype!
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid isn’t just a pressure cooker—it’s a full kitchen arsenal wrapped into one device. The 6.5-quart unit promises to tackle 13 cooking functions, including pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, baking, and even making yogurt and proofing bread. The standout feature here is the Ultimate Lid, which is designed to work across all these functions, including pressure cooking and air frying. It also comes with a large LCD display that guides you through each recipe step-by-step, making it feel less like a complicated machine and more like a personal sous-chef.
Now, how does this perform when you actually start using it? Setting up the Duo Crisp is straightforward, thanks to the detailed step-by-step instructions that pop up on the screen. I was impressed by how simple it is to switch between cooking functions. Whether you’re sautéing veggies or crisping up some fries, the versatility here is pretty remarkable. I tried several modes, from slow cooking a stew to air frying chicken wings, and the results were consistently solid. The air fryer function, in particular, stood out. You can achieve the perfect crispy texture with up to 95% less oil compared to traditional frying methods. Plus, the whisper-quiet steam release is a nice touch—no more annoying hissing sounds when the cooking is done.
But it’s not all perfect. The pressure cooking aspect, while fast, can be a bit tricky to master if you’re used to traditional models. The “OK to open lid” notification is helpful, but it still requires you to be vigilant with the cooking times. Additionally, while the Ultimate Lid is convenient, it can be a little bulky to handle when switching functions. The cleaning is another point of contention. While the inner pot and the accessories are dishwasher safe, the lid itself can get a bit messy, especially after using the air fryer or sauté functions. The protective cover inside is a good feature, but it doesn’t make cleanup entirely hassle-free.
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Let’s talk about the pros and cons. On the positive side, the ability to pressure cook and air fry with one lid is a game-changer for space-saving in your kitchen. The versatility of having 13 different cooking functions packed into one device is hard to beat, especially when it comes to convenience and ease of use. The cooking speed is another plus, with pressure cooking being up to 70% faster than traditional methods.
However, there are some cons. The lid, while practical, can feel a little cumbersome during usage, and the cleaning process isn’t as seamless as I would’ve hoped. If you’re someone who wants a hands-off experience with minimal upkeep, this might feel like a bit of a chore. The price is also something to consider—while it’s packed with features, it’s on the higher end, which leads us to the question of whether it offers good value for money.
Speaking of value, let’s address that. Considering its versatility and multiple cooking modes, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp certainly gives you a lot of options. But at its price point, you have to weigh if all those extra functions are really something you’ll use regularly. The air fryer functionality, for instance, could easily be matched by standalone models, but the integration here is convenient if you’re tight on space. When compared to other multi-cookers in the market, the Duo Crisp stands out due to its innovative lid system and ease of use, though it’s certainly pricier than some alternatives.
In terms of build quality, the Duo Crisp feels sturdy, but like most Instant Pots, the exterior is made of plastic, which might not hold up as well over the years compared to higher-end stainless steel models. The overall construction is solid, though, and if you treat it well, it should last for quite a while.
As for customer support, I didn’t have to reach out directly during my testing, but Instant Pot has a generally good reputation for responsive service, and with such a popular product line, they are usually quick to resolve any issues.
When it comes to alternatives, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to check out other multi-cookers like the Ninja Foodi or the Crock-Pot Express. Both offer a similar range of cooking functions but at a more affordable price. They might not have the same air frying capacity or the super-quiet steam release, but they’re worth considering if you want to save a little on your kitchen investment.
To wrap things up, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid is a very capable and versatile kitchen tool. It has plenty of strengths, especially in how it simplifies cooking with its multiple functions and ease of use. That said, its higher price tag, occasional complexity with function switching, and slightly cumbersome cleaning process might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a one-stop solution for a range of cooking styles and don’t mind the investment, this product will serve you well.
Thanks for tuning in! If you want to check out the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, you’ll find the link in the comments box below. Have any thoughts or questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s chat. Until next time—goodbye from Reviews Inside TV, where we always bring the heat… just not always in the kitchen!
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