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Welcome to Reviews inside tv, where we dive deep into the latest products to give you an honest, expert perspective. Today, we’re reviewing the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, with a generous 8-quart capacity. This is a versatile kitchen gadget promising to make cooking easier and faster, but does it really live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
At its core, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is a multi-functional kitchen powerhouse. This 9-in-1 appliance combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, sterilizer, and food warmer. It’s built to save you space, replacing multiple gadgets while offering impressive flexibility in the kitchen. The 8-quart size is designed for larger families or meal prepping, allowing you to cook for up to 8 people at a time. The cooking pot is made of food-grade stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom, which promotes even heating. On top of that, the Duo Plus comes with a smart app, offering over 800 recipes to try, which can help inspire new dishes or guide you through familiar ones with ease.
Now, let’s talk about how the Instant Pot performs in the real world. Setting it up is straightforward—just plug it in, add your ingredients, and select a program. The 15 customizable Smart Programs make it easy to cook anything from ribs and soups to rice and desserts. Whether you’re cooking a batch of chicken or making homemade yogurt, the real-time feedback from the cooking progress bar is a nice touch, keeping you informed throughout the process. I found it especially helpful for beginners who are new to pressure cooking. One of the standout features is the improved venting system. The easy-release steam switch is intuitive and eliminates the hassle of traditional steam release, though some users may still find it a little tricky until they get used to it.
In terms of performance, the Instant Pot excels at cooking quickly and efficiently. The pressure cooking function cuts cooking time by up to 70%, which is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time. On the flip side, the slow cooking function works just as well as traditional methods—ideal for more leisurely meals or those classic, slow-cooked recipes like stew or chili. It’s great for those who like having multiple cooking options in one machine.
But no product is perfect. One downside to note is the size. While the 8-quart capacity is excellent for families or meal prep, it may take up more counter space than some might like. Additionally, the controls are easy to navigate, but some users may find the settings slightly overwhelming at first—especially those who aren’t accustomed to more complex kitchen appliances.
Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons. On the plus side, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is incredibly versatile, offering nine different cooking functions in one unit. Its stainless-steel inner pot is durable and promotes even cooking. The pressure cooking function is a time-saver, and the smart app with hundreds of recipes is a useful bonus. The intuitive steam release system also makes it safer and easier to use than some earlier models.
However, there are some cons. For one, while the Instant Pot can cook large quantities, the size might not be ideal for those with limited counter space. It’s also a bit on the pricier side, so if you’re just looking for a basic rice cooker or pressure cooker, you may find more affordable options that meet your needs. The learning curve with the controls can also be a bit steep, particularly for beginners who are unfamiliar with multi-functional gadgets.
When it comes to value for money, the Instant Pot Duo Plus offers decent value, especially for those who cook frequently or have large families. You’re getting multiple cooking functions for one price, and the quality of the build is impressive. However, if you’re just looking for a pressure cooker or a rice cooker, there are cheaper alternatives available that might suit your needs just as well.
In terms of comparisons, there are a few other multi-functional cookers on the market, such as the Ninja Foodi or the Crock-Pot Express. Both offer similar features, but the Instant Pot Duo Plus is generally known for its reliable pressure cooking performance and user-friendly interface. The Ninja Foodi is a bit more expensive and focuses on air frying, while the Crock-Pot Express is cheaper but doesn’t have the same level of smart program variety.
As for build quality, the Instant Pot Duo Plus feels solid. The stainless-steel exterior resists fingerprints and is easy to clean, which is a big win. The inner pot’s anti-spin design helps keep it securely in place during sautéing, which is an important feature if you’re looking to avoid messes.
Customer support from Instant Pot has generally been well-received, though I haven’t had to contact them personally for this review. The brand itself has a good reputation for customer service, and they offer plenty of online resources, including manuals and how-to videos.
So, does it live up to its promises? In my experience, yes, it delivers. It’s a versatile, well-built appliance that works efficiently across a wide range of cooking tasks. If you’re in the market for a multi-cooker that can do it all—pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more—this is a solid option, especially for larger families. However, if you’re tight on space or just need a simpler gadget, you might want to consider other alternatives.
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Thanks for tuning in today! You can find the link to grab the Instant Pot Duo Plus in the comments box below. If you’ve used it or have questions, feel free to drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep cooking and keep exploring with Reviews inside tv.
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