Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker Review: The Ultimate All‑in‑One Kitchen Solution
Cooking at home has changed dramatically over the last decade. Busy schedules, rising food costs, and the desire for healthier meals have pushed many households to look for smarter, more efficient kitchen appliances. Among all modern cooking tools, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 Multicooker stands out as one of the most popular and trusted choices worldwide. In this detailed review, we’ll explore why this appliance has become a must‑have, how it works, who it’s best for, and whether it truly deserves a place in your kitchen.
What Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 Multicooker is a versatile electric appliance designed to replace multiple kitchen devices in one compact unit. As the name suggests, it combines nine cooking functions into a single machine:
Pressure Cooker
Slow Cooker
Rice Cooker
Steamer
Sauté Pan
Yogurt Maker
Food Warmer
Sterilizer
Meal Prep Assistant
With a 6‑quart capacity, it is perfectly sized for families, meal preppers, and anyone who enjoys batch cooking. The stainless steel design gives it a premium look while ensuring durability and easy cleaning.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Instant Pot Duo Plus feels solid and well‑engineered. The brushed stainless steel exterior looks modern and resists fingerprints better than many competitors. The inner pot is also made of food‑grade stainless steel, which is a major advantage over non‑stick coatings that can scratch or wear over time.
The control panel is intuitive, featuring a clear digital display and easy‑to‑navigate buttons. Even if you’ve never used a pressure cooker before, the learning curve is surprisingly gentle.
9‑in‑1 Cooking Functions Explained
One of the biggest selling points of the Instant Pot Duo Plus is its versatility. Let’s take a closer look at what each function offers:
1. Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking is where the Instant Pot truly shines. It significantly reduces cooking time while locking in flavor and nutrients. Tough cuts of meat become tender, beans cook without soaking, and soups are ready in a fraction of the usual time.
2. Slow Cooking
Prefer traditional slow‑cooked meals? The slow cooker function allows you to prepare stews, chili, and casseroles with rich, developed flavors—perfect for busy days.
3. Rice Maker
From white rice to brown rice and even specialty grains, the Instant Pot delivers consistent results. Say goodbye to burnt bottoms or undercooked rice.
4. Steamer
Steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings quickly while preserving nutrients and texture. This is an excellent option for health‑conscious users.
5. Sauté
The sauté function lets you brown meat, onions, and spices directly in the pot before pressure cooking. This means fewer dishes and deeper flavor.
6. Yogurt Maker
Homemade yogurt is easier than ever. Control fermentation time and enjoy fresh, preservative‑free yogurt at a fraction of store‑bought costs.
7. Warmer
Keep food warm after cooking without drying it out—ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
8. Sterilizer
Perfect for sterilizing baby bottles, jars, or utensils, adding extra value for families.
9. Meal Prep Tool
With programmable settings, the Instant Pot Duo Plus supports efficient weekly meal prep, saving time and energy.
Smart Features and App Integration
One standout feature is access to the Instant Pot App, which includes over 800 recipes. These recipes are designed specifically for Instant Pot models, making it easy to follow step‑by‑step instructions.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the app provides inspiration and guidance. It helps remove guesswork and encourages users to experiment with new cuisines and techniques.
Performance and Cooking Results
In everyday use, the Instant Pot Duo Plus performs consistently well. Meals cook evenly, pressure builds quickly, and safety mechanisms work smoothly.
Soups and stews come out rich and flavorful
Meat dishes are tender and juicy
Grains and legumes cook evenly without mushiness
One‑pot meals save time and reduce cleanup
The pressure release system is reliable, and multiple built‑in safety features ensure peace of mind during cooking.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Ease of use is another major advantage. The preset programs reduce the need for manual adjustments, while the clear display keeps you informed throughout the cooking process.
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel inner pot, which is dishwasher‑safe and doesn’t retain odors or stains like non‑stick surfaces.
Who Is This Instant Pot Best For?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 is ideal for:
Busy professionals who want quick, healthy meals
Families looking to cook in larger portions
Students or beginners learning to cook
Meal preppers who value efficiency
Health‑conscious individuals avoiding processed foods
Its versatility makes it suitable for almost any kitchen.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Replaces multiple kitchen appliances
Durable stainless steel construction
Large 6‑quart capacity
Easy‑to‑use presets
Access to 800+ recipes via the app
Saves time, energy, and space
Replaces multiple kitchen appliances
Durable stainless steel construction
Large 6‑quart capacity
Easy‑to‑use presets
Access to 800+ recipes via the app
Saves time, energy, and space
Cons:
Takes up counter space
Learning curve for first‑time pressure cooker users
Not ideal for very small kitchens
Takes up counter space
Learning curve for first‑time pressure cooker users
Not ideal for very small kitchens
Value for Money
Considering its functionality, durability, and performance, the Instant Pot Duo Plus offers excellent value for money. Instead of buying separate appliances, this single unit handles nearly all daily cooking needs.
Over time, it can even help reduce food expenses by encouraging home‑cooked meals and minimizing reliance on takeout.
Final Verdict: Is the Instant Pot Duo Plus Worth It?
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9‑in‑1 Multicooker is more than just a kitchen gadget—it’s a complete cooking system. Its combination of speed, versatility, and ease of use makes it one of the best multicookers available today.
If you’re looking to simplify your cooking routine, save time, and enjoy consistent results, this appliance is a smart investment. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or an entire family, the Instant Pot Duo Plus delivers convenience and quality in one powerful package.
Highly recommended for anyone serious about efficient, modern home cooking.