Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 worth it?
Yes — if you want the Duo with an easier steam release.
It pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sautés, makes rice, yoghurt and cake, and adds a basic sous vide mode. The steam release is a switch away from the valve and much quieter than older Instant Pots, the lid seals itself as you close it, and the lid parks in the handle while you serve. It comes in 3, 6 and 8-quart sizes. There are fewer presets than the Pro, the stainless pot can catch when you brown meat, the metal part of the lid gets very hot, sous vide gives no water temperature reading, and the rice setting took some trial and error in testing.
Good to know
- The metal part of the lid gets very hot while it cooks.
- Sous vide shows no water temperature, so results take some trial and error.
- Fewer presets than the Pro, and little guidance on times in the box.
- The stainless pot isn't non-stick, so browned meat can catch.
- Quiet, push-button steam release
- Sous vide and cake modes
- 3, 6 or 8 quarts
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Get it if…
- You want an Instant Pot that's less scary to vent.
- You'd like to try sous vide without buying a separate stick.
- You're on a budget but want more than the basic Duo.
Skip it if…
- You want a pot with handles and favourite buttons: the Pro.
- You want air frying: the Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid.
More on the Instant Pot Duo Plus
How we reached this verdict
TechRadar picks it as the best budget Instant Pot: the steam release keeps your hand away from the valve, chilli and curry came out well, and it's easy to clean, though it's light on presets and the lid gets hot. Tom's Guide found its new rice, cake and sous vide settings welcome but in need of some trial and error, and liked it for family stews. We haven't found enough verified owner reviews of this version at the shops we read to give it a score yet.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Instant (specs), TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Homes & Gardens, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide