Review of Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker Stainless Steel

Description

Compact and Versatile Design

Testing out the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker has been a game-changer in my kitchen. This 3-quart multifunctional appliance, crafted with stainless steel and a sleek chrome finish, fits seamlessly into even the smallest of spaces. It doesn’t take up much room on my counter, but it’s packed with capabilities. Whether you’re whipping up something simple or diving into a more elaborate recipe, the compact size makes it ideal for small households, dorm rooms, or even for preparing side dishes. At just 8.8 pounds, the cooker is lightweight enough to move around, yet it feels sturdy and durable.

I was immediately drawn to its intuitive control panel, with 13 one-touch smart programs that let you prepare anything from soups to cakes. The buttons are responsive, easy to clean, and clearly labeled, making it accessible even for someone new to cooking. While the outer and inner lid design ensures a secure seal, I found that the status lights guiding you through the cooking stages are a thoughtful touch, especially for someone like me who tends to get distracted.

Powerful Performance in a Small Package

This little powerhouse runs on 700 watts, which is impressive for its size. I tested its pressure cooking function with a hearty beef stew, and I was amazed at how fast it cooked—up to 70% quicker than traditional methods. The stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom heats evenly, making sautéing vegetables feel like second nature. It’s also great for searing, giving dishes that professional touch without needing another pan.

The automatic operation mode is a lifesaver. I set the timer, went about my chores, and returned to perfectly cooked food. Its 10+ safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and a safety lid lock, are reassuring, especially if you’ve got kids running around the house. I didn’t have to hover nervously, wondering if something might go wrong.

Key Benefits

• Nine cooking functions in one appliance, from steaming to yogurt making.
• Compact 3-quart size, perfect for singles, couples, or small families.
• Dishwasher-safe components for quick and easy cleanup.
• Status lights provide clear progress updates during cooking.
• Even heating with the stainless steel, tri-ply bottom pot.

Some Shortcomings

As much as I enjoyed testing this product, not everything is flawless.

• The 3-quart size might feel restrictive for larger families or batch cooking.
• While the controls are intuitive, the learning curve for all functions could be steep if you’re not familiar with multicookers.
• The chrome finish, although stylish, is prone to fingerprint smudges.

Good Points About the Features

One of the standout features for me was the ability to make yogurt. I don’t know why, but there’s something so satisfying about crafting something from scratch. It worked flawlessly, and the texture turned out creamy and consistent. The keep-warm function came in handy for a late-night dinner scenario. I also appreciated the sterilizing mode, which made cleaning baby bottles a breeze for my sister when she visited.

The Instant Pot app with over 800 recipes was another pleasant surprise. It’s like having a virtual cooking assistant that keeps things fresh and exciting in the kitchen. The app is user-friendly and offers recipes for every skill level.

Areas for Improvement

• The manual could be more detailed, especially for beginners trying to figure out less common settings.
• Some users might find the 700-watt power slightly underwhelming for tasks like browning meat quickly.
• The outer lid design, while functional, doesn’t allow for venting without tilting the lid, which can be tricky.

Rival Brands

When comparing this product to other small multifunction cookers, such as the Ninja Foodi or Crock-Pot Express, a few differences stood out. The Ninja Foodi has a larger capacity and more advanced crisping functions, but it’s bulkier and takes up more counter space. Meanwhile, the Crock-Pot Express is cheaper but lacks the same level of safety features and precision cooking offered by this product.

The Instant Pot Duo Plus strikes a balance between size, performance, and versatility. It may not have every bell and whistle found in premium models, but it’s a solid choice for those who value compactness and reliability.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the features packed into this appliance, I’d say it offers excellent value for money. It’s rare to find a compact multicooker that not only delivers on performance but also includes safety and convenience features like dishwasher-safe components and a stainless steel interior. While it might not replace every gadget in your kitchen, it consolidates enough to justify its price tag. Plus, with its energy efficiency, you’ll likely save on utility costs over time.

Final Thoughts? Nope! Just giving you a real-world take on this handy little cooker.

Additional information