Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT Review - The Ultimate Upgrade?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT builds on the success of the original Duo with enhanced features and additional cooking functions. It represents a meaningful upgrade for those seeking more versatility in their kitchen routine.

What is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a 9-in-1 multi-cooker, expanding on the Duo’s 7 functions to include egg cooking, cake baking, and sterilization. The 6-quart capacity suits families of 4-6, while the EasySeal lid improves pressure retention and simplifies operation.

What sets the Duo Plus apart is its commitment to making pressure cooking more accessible. Whether you’re a busy parent looking to prepare weeknight dinners faster or a cooking enthusiast wanting to experiment with yogurt making and cheesecakes, this model delivers impressive versatility without overwhelming complexity.

Detailed Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications helps you determine if the Duo Plus fits your kitchen setup and cooking needs. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Specification	Details
Model Number	DUO Plus 60
Capacity	6 Quarts (5.7 liters)
Power	1000 watts
Voltage	120V - 60Hz
Cooking Functions	9 (Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Warm, Egg, Cake, Sterilize)
Smart Programs	15 preset programs
Pressure Levels	High (10.2-11.6 psi) and Low (5.8-7.2 psi)
Lid Type	EasySeal automatic sealing
Inner Pot	Stainless steel, 3-ply bottom
Display	Large LCD with progress indicator
Delay Timer	Up to 24 hours
Keep Warm	Up to 10 hours automatically
Dimensions	13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches
Weight	11.8 lbs
Safety Features	10+ built-in safety mechanisms
Accessories Included	Steam rack with handles, rice paddle, soup spoon, measuring cup, condensation collector
Warranty	1-year limited warranty

These specifications reveal a thoughtfully engineered appliance designed for consistent performance. The 1000-watt heating element ensures rapid heating, while the 3-ply bottom stainless steel pot provides even heat distribution for perfect results every time.

Best For: Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT

Best for beginners: The Duo Plus, with its EasySeal lid, is an excellent choice for first-time pressure cooker users. The automatic sealing feature eliminates one of the most common beginner mistakes, making pressure cooking more approachable from day one.

Best for bakers and dessert lovers: The dedicated Cake function opens up a world of pressure cooker desserts—from classic cheesecakes to lava cakes and bread pudding. Combined with the Egg function for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time, this model adds genuine culinary versatility.

Best for health-conscious cooks: The sterilize function is perfect for sanitizing baby bottles, canning jars, and kitchen tools. The yogurt function lets you make homemade yogurt with full control over ingredients and cultures.

Best for small-to-medium families: Families of 3-5 will find the 6-quart capacity ideal for weeknight dinners and light entertaining.

Skip if: You need app connectivity (see Pro models), want air frying (see Duo Crisp or Ninja Foodi), or cook for 6+ people regularly (see 8-quart models). If you’re looking for the best Instant Pot multicookers for basic pressure cooking, the standard Duo offers excellent value.

Performance Testing Results

We put the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT through extensive real-world testing to evaluate its performance across various cooking scenarios. Here’s what we discovered after weeks of daily use:

Rice Cooking Test

The Duo Plus handled rice exceptionally well using both the dedicated Rice program and manual pressure settings. Basmati rice cooked in 8 minutes under pressure (plus 10 minutes natural release) emerged fluffy and perfectly separated—never mushy or undercooked. The results were consistent across brown rice, jasmine rice, and even wild rice blends. We particularly appreciated the ability to adjust water ratios without the pot boiling over, a common issue with stovetop cooking.

Chicken Cooking Test

Testing both boneless breasts and whole chickens revealed the Duo Plus’s versatility. Boneless chicken breasts cooked to perfection in just 12 minutes under high pressure, remaining juicy and tender rather than dry. A 4-pound whole chicken using the Poultry setting took 25 minutes under pressure plus 10 minutes natural release, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness that would typically require hours in a conventional oven. The meat thermometer consistently registered 165°F+, ensuring food safety.

Beans and Legumes Test

Dried beans, traditionally requiring overnight soaking and hours of simmering, were ready in under 40 minutes with no pre-soaking required. Black beans cooked in 25 minutes under pressure were creamy and fully tender, while chickpeas took 35 minutes. The Sterilize function proved useful for preparing jars for homemade bean storage, adding unexpected value.

Yogurt Making Test

The Yogurt function transformed milk into thick, creamy yogurt over 8-10 hours with minimal intervention. Using the boil setting first to pasteurize the milk, then cooling and adding starter culture, we achieved results comparable to store-bought Greek yogurt. The ability to control incubation time allowed us to customize tanginess levels. This function alone could save frequent yogurt eaters significant money over time.

Overall, the Duo Plus performed reliably across all tests, with consistent results and intuitive operation that makes it accessible even for pressure cooking newcomers.

Cooking Time Comparison: Instant Pot vs Traditional Methods

One of the Duo Plus’s biggest advantages is the dramatic time savings compared to conventional cooking methods. Here’s how it stacks up:

Food Item	Traditional Cooking Time	Instant Pot Duo Plus Time	Time Saved
Dried Beans (no soak)	2-3 hours simmering	25-35 minutes	~2 hours
Brown Rice	45-50 minutes stovetop	22-24 minutes	~25 minutes
Whole Chicken (4 lbs)	1.5-2 hours roasting	35 minutes total	~1.5 hours
Beef Stew	2-3 hours braising	35 minutes	~2 hours
Cheesecake	1+ hour baking + cooling	35 minutes + chill	~30 minutes active
Hard-Boiled Eggs	12 minutes boiling	5 minutes pressure + 5 min release	~2 minutes
Potatoes (mashed)	20-25 minutes boiling	10 minutes	~12 minutes
Yogurt	N/A (requires yogurt maker)	8-10 hours incubation	Convenient
Chicken Breasts	25-30 minutes baking	12 minutes	~15 minutes
Steel-Cut Oats	30-40 minutes stovetop	10 minutes	~25 minutes

These time savings add up significantly over weeks of cooking, making the Duo Plus invaluable for busy households. The “set it and forget it” nature means you can start dinner, handle other tasks, and return to perfectly cooked meals without constant monitoring.

Rating Breakdown

After thorough testing and evaluation, we’ve assigned the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Category	Rating	Analysis
Cooking Performance	4.8/5	Consistent, reliable results across all functions. Minor deduction for slight learning curve on yogurt function.
Build Quality	4.6/5	Solid stainless steel construction feels premium. EasySeal lid mechanism is sturdy but requires careful handling.
Ease of Use	4.7/5	Intuitive controls and clear display. 15 smart programs eliminate guesswork for common dishes.
Features & Versatility	4.9/5	9-in-1 functionality provides exceptional value. Sterilize and Cake functions add genuine utility.
Value for Money	4.5/5	Excellent considering the feature set, though pricier than basic models. Long-term savings justify investment.
Safety	5.0/5	Comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind, especially for pressure cooking newcomers.

Overall Score: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Duo Plus excels in performance and versatility while maintaining the safety standards Instant Pot is known for. The slight deductions in build quality and value reflect minor ergonomic considerations and the higher price point compared to entry-level models—not fundamental flaws.

Instant Pot Duo vs Duo Plus: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you’re debating between the standard Duo and the Duo Plus, understanding the key differences will help justify the investment. While both models share the same core pressure cooking capabilities, the Duo Plus introduces meaningful enhancements that cater to more ambitious home cooks.

The most obvious upgrade is the expanded functionality. The Duo Plus adds three distinct cooking modes: Egg, Cake, and Sterilize. The Egg function isn’t just a gimmick—it produces consistently perfect hard-boiled eggs that peel effortlessly, ideal for meal prep or salads. The Cake function opens doors to pressure cooker cheesecakes, lava cakes, and even bread pudding that rival oven-baked versions. For families with babies or home canning enthusiasts, the Sterilize function provides laboratory-level sanitation for bottles, jars, and utensils.

Beyond functionality, the EasySeal lid represents a genuine quality-of-life improvement. Unlike the standard Duo’s manual sealing valve, the EasySeal lid automatically engages when closed, eliminating the common user error of forgetting to seal before pressurizing. This seemingly small change reduces anxiety for beginners and streamlines workflow for experienced users.

The Duo Plus also includes two additional smart programs (15 vs. 13), offering more presets for specific dishes like multigrain cooking and poultry. The LCD display is larger and clearer, showing real-time progress indicators that help you monitor cooking stages.

However, the upgrade isn’t necessary for everyone. If you primarily pressure cook basic proteins and vegetables, the standard Duo remains excellent. But for those wanting to explore homemade yogurt, bake in their pressure cooker, or streamline kitchen tasks, the Duo Plus justifies its premium through genuine utility rather than marketing fluff.

Tips for Best Results with Your Duo Plus

Maximizing your Instant Pot Duo Plus requires understanding a few key principles that separate good results from exceptional ones:

Liquid Requirements: Always use at least 1 cup of liquid for pressure cooking. The pot needs steam to build pressure—without adequate liquid, you’ll trigger the burn warning. This liquid can include broth, wine, or even canned tomatoes with their juice.

The 50% Rule: Never fill your Instant Pot more than halfway when cooking foods that expand (rice, beans, grains) or two-thirds for other foods. Overfilling prevents proper pressurization and can create safety issues.

Natural vs Quick Release: Use natural release (letting pressure drop on its own) for meats and large cuts to retain moisture. Quick release works well for vegetables and seafood to prevent overcooking. The Duo Plus handles both methods reliably.

Sauté First: Take advantage of the Sauté function to brown meats and aromatics before pressure cooking. This builds flavor depth that you can’t achieve with pressure alone.

Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, always scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon and add a splash of liquid to dissolve any stuck bits. This prevents the burn error and creates richer sauces.

Following these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results consistently while avoiding common pitfalls that frustrate new pressure cooker users.

Who Should Buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT?

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT is perfect for:

• Home cooks who want more than basic pressure cooking
• Baking enthusiasts who want to make cakes in their pressure cooker
• Egg lovers who cook eggs regularly in various styles
• Those upgrading from an older Instant Pot model
• Families wanting maximum versatility at a reasonable price

If you want the latest features or plan to use all 9 functions, this is the model to get. For basic pressure cooking only, the standard Duo remains excellent.

Detailed Verdict: Should You Buy the Duo Plus 6QT?

After extensive testing and real-world use, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT proves itself as a worthy investment for home cooks seeking versatility without complexity. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade over the standard Duo—it’s a thoughtfully refined appliance that addresses genuine user needs while expanding culinary possibilities.

The standout feature remains the EasySeal lid, which eliminates the anxiety of forgetting to seal the valve before cooking. For busy parents juggling multiple tasks or cooking novices intimidated by pressure cookers, this simple improvement removes a significant barrier to confident cooking. Combined with the comprehensive safety mechanisms, the Duo Plus makes pressure cooking accessible to virtually anyone.

The three additional cooking functions—Egg, Cake, and Sterilize—aren’t mere marketing bullet points. The egg function produces genuinely perfect hard-boiled eggs with shells that practically slide off, solving a universal kitchen frustration. The cake function enables impressive desserts like New York-style cheesecakes that would traditionally require water baths and precise oven timing. And the sterilize function proves surprisingly useful for everything from baby bottle sanitation to preparing canning equipment.

Performance-wise, the Duo Plus delivers consistently excellent results across all cooking modes. Whether you’re preparing weeknight staples like chicken and rice or experimenting with homemade yogurt, the smart programs take guesswork out of timing while manual controls offer flexibility for experienced users.

The 6-quart capacity strikes the ideal balance for families of 4-6 people—large enough to prepare leftovers or entertain guests, yet compact enough for daily use without excessive counter space demands. The included accessories, particularly the steam rack with handles, show attention to practical details that enhance the cooking experience.

At around $100, the Duo Plus represents genuine value. While more expensive than entry-level pressure cookers, the expanded functionality, improved design, and consistent performance justify the investment. Consider that this single appliance replaces nine separate kitchen gadgets while reducing cooking times by 50-70%—the math quickly favors the upgrade.

For anyone ready to move beyond basic pressure cooking or seeking maximum versatility in a single appliance, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6QT earns our strong recommendation. It’s the rare kitchen upgrade that delivers on its promises without overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Duo and Duo Plus?

The Duo Plus adds egg, cake, and sterilizer functions, has an EasySeal lid, includes 15 smart programs (vs 14), and features a slightly more refined interface.

Can I make cheesecake in the Duo Plus?

Yes! The cake function specifically handles cheesecakes and other baked desserts beautifully.

How does the EasySeal lid work?

The EasySeal lid automatically seals when you close it, making pressure cooking easier than ever. It’s a subtle but welcome improvement.

Is the 6QT Duo Plus big enough for a family of 5?

Yes, the 6-quart capacity comfortably serves 4-6 people. For larger families, consider the 8-quart version.

Related Reviews

If you’re considering the Duo Plus 6QT, you might also want to check out:

• Instant Pot Duo 6QT - The budget-friendly original
• Instant Pot Duo Plus Whisper Quiet - Same features with noise reduction