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The Instant Pot Duo, a.k.a. Instapot Duo, Instant Duo, Instant Pot 7-in-1, or simply the IP Duo, is one of the very first products from the brand.
Surprisingly, until today it’s still their most popular multicooker.
Despite being a classic model, it’s as capable as its newer siblings. Its seven main functions are pressure cooking, slow cooking, it can replace your rice cooker, it can sauté, steam, help you make yogurt and keep your food warm.
Awards
- 5th Best 8 Qt Instant Pot
- 4th Best Instant Pot Air Fryer (Upgrade)
There’s no doubt that newer models are far superior to the Duo Instant Pot. If you need Sous Vide function, or perhaps a handled pot, you’ll only get it from the Instant Pot Max or the Instant Pot Pro Plus, respectively.
Though you won’t get those modern features, the Instapot Duo is one of the cheapest options from the brand with three pot sizes to choose from. You can get the mini 3-qt model, 6-qt, or the biggest 8-qt capacity.
Here’s a quick comparison table, just in case…
| Instant Pot Name | 3 Quart IP Duo | 6 Quart IP Duo | 8 Quart IP Duo |
| Picture |  |  |  |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$ |
| Other name | Duo Mini / Duo 30 | Duo 60 | Duo 80 |
| Number of automatic programs | 11 smart programs (no automatic setting for multi-grain and poultry) | 13 smart programs | 13 smart programs |
| Wattage rating | 700 watts | 1000 watts | 1200 watts |
| Air Fryer Lid compatible | – | Yes | – |
| Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → | Get at Amazon → |
On top of these three capacity options, there are also other Duo variants. Some are newer and upgraded versions of this classic model, and some are exclusive products for certain retailers. You’ll learn about it in the succeeding sections.
In the meantime, let’s go over Instant Pot IP Duo’s pros and cons.
PROS
- Most budget-friendly Instant Pot
- 7-in-1 appliance
- 13 smart programs and customizable
- Remembers your custom settings for certain programs
- Delay cooking + keep warm
- Multiple capacity options: 3 quarts, 6 quarts, 8 quarts
- Durable stainless steel pot
- 6-quart model is compatible with the air fryer attachment
- PFOA, PTFE, and BPA free
- Dishwasher safe lid and pot for easy cleaning
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- Classic model, one of the very first Instant Pots
- Needs significant space on your countertop
- Sautéing in an Instapot isn’t comfortable
- No progress (preheat) indicator
- Old steam release valve design
What can you cook with the Instant Pot Duo?
The Instapot Duo has seven core functions—pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
Let’s dive deeper into each cooking technique.
Pressure Cook
Apart form replacing your good old rice cooker, the best part about Instant Pot is its pressure cooking function. It can tenderize your protein in no time.
What can you make: Pulled pork, chicken curry, chili, mashed potatoes, etc.
If you want your dish to have a richer and bolder taste, slow cooking is your go-to technique. Hours and hours of continuous cooking infuses the flavor to a whole new level.
You just have to plan your menu, since slow cooking takes about six to ten hours.
What can you make: Beef stew, cobbler, pulled pork, curry, etc.
Slow Cook
Sear/Sauté
All of the Instant Pots have this feature. Instead of using a separate skillet to brown your meat, you can do using the sauté function. That’s one less cookware to wash.
You can also your onion or make stir fried veggies with this function.
Do you want to make your own Yogurt at home? Guess what? It’s not that difficult. All you need are milk, yogurt culture and your IP Duo.
Yogurt is a good source of calcium, protein and probiotics.
Yogurt
Rice
Cooking rice is a little challenging. You need the perfect amount of water to achieve the perfect consistency. Each type of rice has a different water ratio, so be sure to checkout this guide when making one.
After cooking, your Instapot will keep the food warm for up to 10 hours before automatically turning off. You can also use this function to warm your soup up.
Warmer
Steamer
This function which will expand your healthy menu options to steamed vegetables. Doing this feature with the steaming basket is more convenient than the complimentary stainless steal steaming rack.
You’ll find out more about the steaming basket in the accessories sections.
Apart from those seven main functions, here are Instant Duo’s built-in smart programs:
Is the 7-in-1 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker easy to use?
Compared to the brand’s top-of-the-line model (Instant Pro Plus), the classic Instant Duo has a few quirks that make it a tad challenging to operate.
Starting with the old vent release design, you really have to be careful with it as the steam might burn your skin. Newer models like the IP Duo Plus have a steam release that is separate from the vent for safety reasons.
I guess they will port this necessary safety feature on newer builds of the Instapot Duo. It’s their best-selling Instant Pot to date, so I think they will keep this product’s safety and usability feature on par with newer models.
Another thing that I would love to see on the Instant Pot Duo is the updated pot design. The Pro Plus version comes with a handled pot that is compatible with your stovetop.
To sum it up, all multi-cookers have a moderate learning curve. They come with multiple features that take time to get used to.
How to clean the Instant Pot IP Duo?
The good news is, cleaning any Instant Pot is very straightforward. Here’s a quick video on how to do it.
What’s shown above is the IP Max; washing any Instant Pot is pretty much the same.
Instant Pot’s electric pressure cooker has three parts: the cooker base, inner pot, and lid. You just have to wipe the base off with a clean damp cloth while the inner pot is dishwasher safe.
The only part that you have to pay close attention to are the small components of the lid. Make sure you don’t lose any of them.
See Instapot Duo in Action
Don’t take my word for it, watch this video demonstration of Instant Pot IP Duo.
The Instant Pot Duo is the most popular multi-cooker of Instant Brands. It’s a 7-in-1 pressure cooker that can also slow cook, replace your rice cooker, sauté, steam, make yogurt, and keep your food warm. The Instant Pot IP Duo is available in 3-qt, 6-qt, and 8-qt pot capacity.
The Instant Pot Duo Series Comparison Table
To date, there are a total of eight Instant Pot Duos. Some of them have already been discontinued, while some are exclusive products for Costco and other retailers.
In this review, we’ve been discussing the original Instant Pot IP Duo, which has also gotten several upgrades. What you’re seeing now is the Instapot Duo V3. It’s almost a decade old, but the company is keeping it up-to-date.
Here are all the Instant IP Duo variants, starting with the classic model.
 Get at Amazon → | The Original Instant Pot IP Duo ✔ Most affordable option ✔ 7-in-1 cooking functions ✔ 13 smart programs ✔ Available in 3 sizes: 3 qt, 6 qt, 8 qt ✔ Compatible with optional air fryer lid attachment (6-quart model) ✘ Traditional pressure release ✘ No sous vide function |
 Get at Amazon → | IP Duo Plus (full review) ✔ Upgraded model with more cooking functions ✔ 9-in-1 cooking functions ✔ 15 smart programs ✔ Available in 3 sizes: 3 qt, 6 qt, 8 qt ✔ Compatible with optional air fryer lid attachment (6-quart model) ✔ Can reach higher pressure ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ Can sous vide |
 Get at Amazon → | IP Duo Crisp (full review) ✔ Newest IP Duo that comes with an air fryer lid ✔ 11-in-1 cooking functions ✔ 11 smart programs ✔ Available in 2 sizes: 6 qt, 8 qt ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ Can sous vide |
 Get at Amazon → | Duo Evo Plus (full reivew) ✔ Faster Natural release ✔ 8-in-1 cooking functions ✔ 48 smart programs ✔ Available in 2 sizes: 6 qt, 8 qt ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ Can sous vide ✘ Not compatible with air fryer lid attachment ✘ Discontinued |
 Get at Amazon → | IP Duo Nova (full review) ✔ The only 10-quart Instant Pot ✔ 7-in-1 cooking functions ✔ 14 smart programs ✔ Available in 4 sizes: 3 qt, 6 qt, 8 qt, 10 qt ✔ Automatic sealing vent + safer pressure release ✔ Compatible with optional air fryer lid attachment (6-quart model) ✘ No sous vide function ✘ Discontinued |
*We did not include some discontinued products (Nova Plus) in this comparison chart and the Costo-exclusive ones (Duo Gourmet and Duo SV).
As a quick summary, the best option is the 6-quart Duo Plus if you want a standalone multi-cooker. It has more features than the original model, plus it’s compatible with the optional upgrade: Air Fryer attachment for Instant Pot.
What accessories can I get with the Instant Pot IP Duo?
Here are some must-have accessories for the IP Duo electric pressure cooker.
Inner Pot
Model # IP-POT-SS304-60
I highly recommend getting an extra pot. It’s super handy when you’re making both the primary and side dishes in your pressure cooker. Instead of cleaning the same pot after cooking, you can prepare the next dish and cook it right away.
Instant Pot Transparent Lid
Model # 213-0201-01
Another excellent accessory to buy is a transparent lid. It’s exceptionally helpful when slow cooking as you can see the contents. However, if you already have a transparent cover that fits, you don’t need to get another one.
Extra Sealing Ring
Model # 211-0007-01
Some odors, especially from intense recipes, stick to the sealing ring. Consequently, milder recipes might pick up some of the odor/flavors if you use the same sealing ring. Therefore, it’s ideal for getting extra sealing ring(s) for different tastes (mild and strong).
Steamer basket
Model # 5252247
Here’s the deal: Some ingredients don’t fit well with the included steamer rack. Therefore, if you’ll frequently steam, getting a steamer basket with small holes is more advantageous.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Model # 140-3003-01
If you want to add 6 more cooking functions, you should undoubtedly consider Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid. By having so, you can quickly achieve crunchy skin after pressure cooking in the same pot. And of course, that’s just one of the many advantages of this attachment.
*only works with selected 6-quart Instapots
*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands
Technical Specifications
| Type | Pressure Cooker / Multi-Cooker / Slow Cooker |
| Brand/Series | Instant Pot by Instant Brands |
| Model # | Duo Mini / Duo 30 (3-quart), Duo 60 (6-quart), Instant Pot Duo 80 (6-quart) |
| Price | $ |
| Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Pressure | 11.6 psi |
| Wattage | 3 qt: 700-watt 6 qt: 1000-watt 8 qt: 1200-watt |
| Functions | 7-in-1: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sauté, Steamer, Rice, Yogurt, and Warmer |
| Pot | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | Duo Mini: 3 quarts (946 mL) Duo 60: 6 quarts (5.7 L) Duo 80: 8 quarts (7.6 L) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| PFOA, PTFE, and BPA free | Yes |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3-quart Duo Mini: 11.4 × 10 × 11.2 inches (29 × 25.5 × 28.5 cm) 6-quart Duo 60: 13.4 × 12.2 × 12.5 inches (34 × 31 × 31.7 cm) 8-quart Duo 80: 14.8 × 13.3 × 14.2 inches (37.6 × 33.8 × 36.1 cm) |
| Cord Length | 35 inches (0.9 m) |
| Application | Home and Personal Use |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Related Products | Instant Pot Duo Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo Crisp 60, Instant Pot Duo Nova Mini, Instant Pot Duo Gourmet, Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 80, InstaPot Pro Plus, Instapot Nova |
Is the Instant Pot Duo worth it?
The Instant Pot IP Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker is definitely worth the investment. Having a pressure cooker at home will save you a lot of time, on top of its multi-cooking capabilities.
However, it’s a classic model. If you want a more up-to-date multi-cooker, check out the Instant Pot Duo Plus or the Instant Pot Pro Plus.
