Why we tested
The Instant Pot Duo Plus sits in a tricky spot: it costs $30 more than the Duo 7-in-1 and significantly less than the Breville Fast Slow Pro. We wanted to determine whether those two extra functions - sous vide and sterilize - plus the UI improvements actually justify the price step, or whether the Duo 7-in-1 remains the smarter buy.
We ran the Duo Plus and Duo 7-in-1 in parallel for the entire two-month test period, cooking identical recipes on the same days whenever possible.
How we tested
Standard pressure cooking protocol: chicken broth from raw carcasses, six runs total, logged for time-to-pressure, cook duration, and natural release. We ran the sous vide function on chicken breast (140°F, 90 minutes), salmon fillets (125°F, 45 minutes), and a 3-hour sirloin bath (130°F) to evaluate temperature accuracy.
We measured water temperature at three locations inside the pot during sous vide cycles using a Thermapen probe: center near the bag, mid-depth on the side, and near the heating element. All three readings and the accuracy of hold temperature were documented.
Sterilize function was tested twice using sealed mason jars with water, confirming internal pressure and temperature against calibrated gauges.
Pot-in-pot cooking: 7-inch insert on trivet for rice plus proteins in the main pot across eight cook sessions.
Performance
Pressure cooking was a step sharper than the base Duo. Time to pressure averaged 8 minutes 45 seconds across six broth cooks - roughly 30 seconds faster than the Duo 7-in-1 across equivalent runs. That’s marginal but consistent. The 25-minute broth cycle finished in about 54 minutes total from cold start through natural release. Broth quality was indistinguishable from the Duo in a blind taste test.
The sealing ring seated with a more satisfying click than the older Duo unit and showed zero sticking behavior even after six high-fat broth cooks. Float valve released cleanly every time. Backup pressure relief valve tested correctly.
Sous vide performance was the biggest surprise. Temperature accuracy was better than we expected: center readings averaged ±0.8°F from target across all three recipes. Side readings near the heating element ran 1.2°F higher on average - the lack of circulation creates a minor gradient. Flipping the bag halfway through a 3-hour sirloin cook eliminated any measurable edge-to-center difference in the finished meat. For chicken breast and salmon, single-position cooking produced clean results with no detectable temperature gradient effect on texture.
The sterilize function confirmed 250°F at 15 psi across both test cycles, consistent with USDA canning safety standards. Jar seals formed correctly on both runs.
Slow cooking held 147°F on low over a 4-hour pork shoulder test, within a degree of the base Duo. Pulled pork texture was tender and consistent.
The blue LED display is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. Legibility from across the kitchen is meaningfully better than the older Duo backlight. Button feel is firmer and more precise.
Pot-in-pot worked cleanly. A 7-inch stainless pan with rice on the trivet alongside chicken in the main pot completed correctly in a 10-minute pressure cycle - same results as the Duo 7-in-1 for this task.
Who should buy this
Buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus if you cook sous vide at least occasionally or plan to do home canning - both functions are well-implemented and the $30 premium over the base Duo is easily justified by either use case alone. The interface improvements and slightly faster pressure build are nice bonuses.
Skip it if you only pressure cook, slow cook, and sauté - the base Duo handles all three equally well at a lower price.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Qt vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | Alternative - save $30 if you'll never use sous vide or sterilize. |
| Breville Fast Slow Pro | Skip - the Breville is better engineered but costs nearly double for modest gains. |
Full specifications
| Capacity | 6 quart |
| Functions | 9-in-1 |
| Max Pressure | 15 psi |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
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Should you buy the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Qt?
The Duo Plus earns its runner-up slot by being a better Duo rather than just a more expensive one. The sous vide function is legitimate, the interface is cleaner, and the build quality has a tighter feel throughout. It's $30 more than the standard Duo and worth every dollar if sous vide or sterilize matters to your cooking routine.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sous vide function require any special bags or equipment?+
You need zip-lock or vacuum-seal bags - the Duo Plus does not include any. The pot itself acts as the water bath vessel. Without built-in circulation, water temperature near the bag edges can vary slightly, so we recommend flipping bags halfway through long cooks.
Is this pressure cooker safe for water bath canning?+
The sterilize function runs at proper pressure and temperature for canning protocols. We confirmed 250°F internal temperature with a probe thermometer across two test cycles. Always follow USDA canning guidelines regardless of appliance.
📅 Update log
- May 27, 2026Initial review published.
