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#5 in Best Pressure Cookers

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer &…

Instant Pot

Best for

Best for small kitchens (3 qt)

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.6(52,575)

Amazon aggregate — one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGood
78/ 100

Current price

$79.99

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Updated May 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer &…

Synthesis sources

Methodology →
6reviewers read0 trusted6 mixed

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

For singles, couples and small kitchens, reviewers consistently recommend stepping down to the 3-quart Duo Plus rather than buying a 6-quart and cooking half-full. r/instantpot threads aimed at first-time buyers specifically call out the 3-quart as the right size for one or two people, side dishes, or as a second pot in a household that already owns a larger one. The shared Duo Plus listing carries the same 4.6 average across 52,000+ reviews as its larger sibling.

What reviewers liked

  • Right-sized for singles, couples and dorms per r/instantpot beginner threads
  • Quieter steam release and improved display vs. the original Duo
  • Stainless inner pot can be used on a stovetop per r/instantpot owners
  • Shares the massive Duo Plus review base (52k+ Amazon reviews, 4.6 avg)

Where it falls short

  • 3-quart capacity is genuinely small — multiple r/PressureCooking users regret going smaller than 6qt
  • Same slow-cook criticism as larger Instant Pots — runs hot on Low
  • Limited dedicated independent expert coverage of the 3-quart specifically
  • Per-quart cost is higher than the 6qt or 8qt versions

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

For singles, couples and small kitchens, reviewers consistently recommend stepping down to the 3-quart Duo Plus rather than buying a 6-quart and cooking half-full. r/instantpot threads aimed at first-time buyers specifically call out the 3-quart as the right size for one or two people, side dishes, or as a second pot in a household that already owns a larger one. The shared Duo Plus listing carries the same 4.6 average across 52,000+ reviews as its larger sibling.

The Duo Plus generation adds the upgrades reviewers consistently appreciate: a quieter steam release, a more readable display, and a stainless inner pot that — per r/instantpot — can go straight on a stovetop burner if needed. Beginner threads on r/PressureCooking call the smaller capacity more forgiving for learning pressure cooking without committing to large batches.

The trade-offs are the same trade-offs reviewers raise about every Instant Pot — the slow-cook function is weak, and some r/PressureCooking users argue that once you're cooking for more than two people, you'll quickly outgrow it. A few buyers in the same thread explicitly say "the 6qt was too small" within months of buying it, so size yourself honestly.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Feature 1
9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, sous vide, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
Feature 2
Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 13 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
Feature 3
Cooking Status at a Glance: Status lights guide you through each stage of the cooking process, so you always know what's going on.
Feature 4
Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
Feature 5
Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
Feature 6
Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
Feature 7
Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
Feature 8
Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more for worry-free cooking.

What customers say

2 verified voices
The steam release is impressive, and I rarely even use it ( natural release is my go to). The plus also has an inner pot that can go on the ...
Mixedvia r/instantpot
I have an 8 qt duo plus, I like it for it's size and capacity but the pot twirls around when you stir good, you have to use hot pads to lift it ...
Mixedvia r/instantpot

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